Our Lady’s Stay and Play

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are warmly welcomed into this inclusive environment and staff know each child very well. All children show a real sense of belonging and quickly settle into activities.

For example, even the youngest children confidently choose what to do and negotiate their play with the older children. Children thoroughly enjoy the activities on offer, which are often inspired by their interests, festivals and events. For example, staff help children learn about Australia in response to the recent bushfires and taste various foods from around the world.

Staff recognise and promote the uniqueness of each child, such as their indi...vidual cultures and any other languages spoken at home. Children enjoy taking part in activities as they eagerly use the measuring wheels to consider how many miles the field is, in readiness for their half marathon. Others are busy looking for the early signs of spring and collect natural items to add to their clipboards.

Staff engage children well in their chosen play and provide them with a range of resources to extend their ideas. For example, children have ample opportunities to use a variety of art and craft resources to cut, join and assemble. Staff are sensitive to the needs of children and talk to them daily about their day, ideas and feelings.

Children clearly feel safe and happy, and enjoy their time at the club.

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

The manager and the staff team also work at the school and therefore know children and families well. They work extremely closely with the school teachers to find out about children's progress, care and emotional needs to help support their smooth transition to the club.

They offer a relaxed environment where children are free to choose from a rich range of play experiences, complementing their day at school.Staff work closely with parents to share information about children's care and time at the club, passing any messages on from the teachers. On the day of the inspection, parents reported high levels of satisfaction.

They are extremely impressed by the flow of information between them, the club and the school and the range of activities on offer.Promoting children's personal, social and emotional development is given high regard. The staff are warm and caring and build close relationships with children to help them talk about their feelings and promote their good mental health.

For example, staff have created a calm, cosy corner with fibre-optic lights, positive captions on display and mindful cards which include relaxation strategies. Children report they enjoy using the area to relax.Staff consult with children daily to find out about their interests and what they would like to eat.

For example, on arrival, children confidently use the snack system registering their choice from the menu. They independently negotiate and manage the system as they put their name on the list for their turn on the pool table. Children behave well and easily take turns, and enjoy playing and socialising with their friends.

Staff give clear messages to children about eating high-sugar foods in moderation and that exercise is good for their bodies. The snack includes plenty of fruits and access to fresh drinking water. Children help plant and care for fresh produce, such as potatoes, carrots, courgettes, tomatoes, strawberries and apples, and use them to cook.

They know about the importance of including a range of fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet to promote their good health.Children have plenty of opportunities to be outdoors in the fresh air as they use the school grounds. Staff help children to learn about the codes of behaviour in place for their safety when indoors and outdoors.

They help children learn about road safety as they teach them about road signs and how to cross the road safely.The manager and staff work well together to ensure the smooth running of the club. Staff are positive about the support they receive from the manager to ensure their well-being.

The manager works alongside the staff and provides ongoing staff supervision. However, she does not incisively monitor and evaluate individual staff practice to help raise their interactions to an even higher level.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have a strong knowledge of child protection issues and the procedure to follow if they suspect child abuse or neglect. There are robust systems in place to ensure staff are suitably vetted and inducted. They follow the clear procedures in place to ensure children are escorted safely to and from the club.

They supervise children well at all times to keep them safe. Staff work closely with the school staff to share any information about children to help safeguard them. They actively build on and have open discussions about the safety messages children receive at school, for example, about the dangers of the internet and social media.

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