Pioneer Childcare - Fairlight

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff welcome children to the after-school club. They chat to children as they settle into their activities. Children feel safe, secure and confident.

At group times, children enjoy telling their friends about what they have made and recent experiences. They sing 'Happy Birthday' to celebrate the child's special day. These opportunities help even the most shy children to become confident.

Children tell the inspector that they are happy at the club and enjoy talking to their friends. At group time, the manager tells the children the plan for the rest of the afternoon. Children do not have to take part in the activities if t...hey do not want to.

The manager makes sure that all children are happily occupied. Children make superhero masks, play board games and enjoy chatting to each other. Other children make paper aeroplanes and see how far they travel.

Later, children 'fly' their planes through hoops, which offers extra challenge. This helps them master their 'flying skills' and enjoy friendly competition. Some children enjoy physical activity by practising their ball skills.

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

Before the children start at the setting, staff talk to parents and gather information about their child. This helps plan for their interests and needs when they start. Younger children have a key person assigned to them, which helps them settle into the club.

Staff model good behaviour and are kind and considerate. Children's behaviour is also excellent. They help to tidy up before group time and snack time.

They listen attentively to their friends at group time and play well together. They learn to cooperate and enjoy friendly competition when playing board games and during physical games.Staff encourage the children to be independent and to make healthy choices.

For example, they remind children to drink water to hydrate themselves. Each child has their own water bottle, and fresh drinking water is available at snack time. Children enjoy serving themselves a healthy and appetising snack from the snack table.

However, the timing of serving of snacks does not suit all those that attend. Some children are collected before or after snack time and therefore either miss out or take their food home with them.Overall, the activities that staff plan engage children's interests.

However, children have limited opportunities to contribute their ideas for future activities at their club,.Leaders and managers meet with the club manager every week. They monitor the delivery of out-of-school care and support the manager and his staff.

Staff also receive sufficient supervision and guidance to fulfil their roles effectively. Staff advise the inspector that they feel supported and that they enjoy working at the club.Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.

The manager obtains information from parents so that he can plan activities which include all children. Staff check in with children throughout the session. If a child feels unwell, staff ensure that they are comfortable until their parents can collect them.

The club has a positive relationship with the host school. A walking bus from a neighbouring school further establishes the club as a helpful service for working parents. Staff seek information about the child's day so that they can provide the right support at the club.

For example, staff are able to tailor their support if they know a child is tired, or their friends are not at the club that day.Leaders and managers show a commitment to quality improvement. They are keen to consider ways in which to enhance the experience for children and parents.

Parents tell the inspector that their children come home happy. They praise the care and support for youngest children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and managers have robust recruitment procedures in place. There are appropriate arrangements to check the suitability of staff. All staff receive safeguarding training and are qualified in paediatric first aid.

Staff are aware of the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child. They demonstrate a good knowledge of a range of safeguarding concerns. The staff and manager receive regular supervision and feel supported by the leadership and management team.

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