Otley Kids Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are pleased to see staff as they collect them from school.

All children attending the club are happy and keen to socialise with their friends. They form strong relationships with staff and each other. Staff know children well and provide a broad range of activities.

Children settle quickly and begin chatting together as they arrive at the club. They know the routines well. Staff encourage children to be actively involved in helping throughout the sessions.

For example, children help to take the register and organise the snack. Children demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviour. They are kind and respec...tful to their friends.

Children play cooperatively, sharing toys and resources well. Children have the opportunity to be creative and play imaginatively. For example, older children design dolls clothes and furniture, while the younger children are eager to play in the pretend ice-cream shop.

Children also use collage materials to design and make their own ice-cream pictures. Children take great delight in engaging with staff and sharing their ideas. For example, children choose to wash dolls clothes and hang these on the washing line with the support of the staff.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

Children's safety is of paramount importance for the provider and staff team. The walk from school to the club is organised well and very considered. The route ensures quieter streets are taken and consistent routines ensure children know where to cross the road.

Staff understand their roles and are observant of any possible risks. However, staff are still able to talk to the children as they walk and listen intently as children share stories about their day.Children say they enjoy attending the club.

They find different words to describe what they think about the staff. For example, children say staff are funny, caring, happy and helpful. Children eagerly talk about what they like to do at the club.

They comment that they like the craft activities and outside play. Other children explain that coming to the club is fun and they love to bake and play with their friends.Children benefit from the club's safe, clean and warm spaces.

This, together with a calm, caring approach from staff, means that children enjoy an environment that is comfortable and relaxed.Children know the routines very well. On arrival back at the club, children sit together to share their news, for example, about a recent holiday.

They also make choices about their snack. Children choose toast with various toppings, crackers, fruit, or a combination of snacks. All children have free access to their own water bottles, ensuring they remain hydrated.

Relationships with parents are strong. Parents comment on the good quality care that their children receive. They feel well informed about their children's day.

Staff take time to explain any information from school. Staff send regular newsletters to parents to help keep them informed about the club. Annual questionnaires and daily conversations enable parents to share their views.

Staff enable children to be fully involved in the life of the school. For example, children who attend the school 'bikeability' scheme can do this. Staff support children to wheel their bicycles back to the club, so they can be picked up by the parents.

Also, children who go from the club to other out of school activities, such as football, are supported to be changed into their football kits for their parent's arrival.Staff are supported well by the provider. They attend regular staff meetings and have supervision and appraisal meetings, where they can speak to the provider on an individual basis.

Staff training and continuous professional development is promoted. Staff are happy, motivated and enjoy working at the club.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The provider has a robust understanding of her responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children. Staff complete safeguarding training and hold current first-aid certificates. All staff have their suitability checked, enabling them to work with children, and they are aware of a range of safeguarding issues.

Staff know what might cause them to be concerned about a child. They know who to report any concerns about children or their colleagues to. This helps to keep children safe.

Staff help children to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, they encourage and remind children to play within safe boundaries when playing outside. Indoors, children tidy up resources, so that they do not trip.