Pioneer Childcare - Balfour

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff provide a warm welcome to children as they arrive at the after-school club. Children quickly settle to play alongside their friends and staff. They know they will find some of their favourite activities, such as drawing, toy dinosaurs and card games.

Children form good bonds with the staff. They instantly begin to relax after their long day in school, with staff who listen to them and help them choose activities.Children know this is a place where they can have fun.

They form friendships across age ranges, which naturally extends their play skills, as well as developing their empathy and patience. Although children h...ave their favourite games, staff are aware that they need to introduce new games to the children's repertoire. This helps children develop new skills, such as throwing a beanbag accurately at a target or taking turns.

Staff praise children's efforts and recognise when they have tried something new. Children delight in sharing their achievements with staff. Children sit together at snack time, where they select from a wide range of healthy foods, such as fruit, sandwiches and raw vegetables.

This is a sociable occasion, when they happily chat to one another, sharing stories about their families and their day at school.

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

The manager and staff create a space which is safe and stimulating. They plan activities based around the children's interests and preferences to extend children's skills and knowledge.

For example, children have enjoyed learning about different places in the world through their artwork. The manager ensures that all activities can be adapted for all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.Staff enjoy being with the children and know them well.

They describe how children become more confident and capable while they are at the after-school club. On the whole, staff are very good at speaking with children and meeting their personal needs. However, there are times when staff stand back from the children's play instead of becoming fully involved to extend and initiate new ideas and skills.

Children have ample space to use up their energy through physical exercise, both indoors and outdoors. They chase balls, climb on the apparatus and run around in the playground. Inside they play games such as hoops and dodgeball, which stimulate lots of giggles and laughter.

Staff provide quieter activities for those children who want to be less active after school. For instance, some children play chess while others play card games with staff. Other children settle to draw, read books and use the play dough.

Staff remind children of the after-school club values, such as being kind to one another. Children show a good understanding of how they can help one another, such as when they tidy up after an activity.Staff help children develop healthy routines, such as washing their hands as they arrive and before eating.

Children are confident and independent. Staff ensure children's well-being by always providing good levels of supervision. They give children time and space to talk and express their thoughts and feelings.

Staff comment on how much they enjoy their work in the after-school club. They feel supported by the manager and the directors. The manager regularly meets with staff to ensure their well-being, and to promote their professional development.

For example, staff are encouraged to learn new skills and update their knowledge in specific areas, such as safeguarding and first aid.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The leadership team are fully aware of their responsibility to safeguard and protect children.

They provide a safe space for children to play and create a culture of mutual respect and trust. All staff have good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. They know what to do should they feel a child is at risk, including from radicalisation and extreme views.

Leaders use safer recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children. Staff know the after-school club values and policies, including whistle-blowing and emergency procedures. Children feel safe to speak and express their concerns and feelings to staff.

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