Pioneer Childcare - Lindfield

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are very happy, safe and well cared for by the attentive staff. They eagerly settle down to join in with creative activities in the community room or to play ball games in the hall.

Children use their imaginations well at the club. For example, they have fun making pretend ice creams or lollies. They confidently explain to adults what they have drawn and they share the resources with each other very well.

Children are inquisitive and excited to play. For example, they have fun discovering the impact of mixing various ingredients together, to make dough. They speak about 'being like a scientist'.

Enthusias...tic staff members ask probing questions to help children think. Children laugh and giggle as they describe what they are doing. They proudly show visitors their creations.

Children are extremely well behaved. They demonstrate good manners when they say 'Excuse me' to adults when they want to ask a question. Children enjoy nominating each other to receive a Pioneer Character sticker for various things that they see during the day.

For instance, they talk about how their friends were kind to them when they were sharing colouring pens. This helps to build on children's self-esteem and to learn how to respect each other.

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

Experienced leaders are passionate about providing high-quality care for children.

They work closely with school teachers and parents to help ensure that children's needs are well known. Staff work well together to ensure children feel safe and settled when attending the club. This contributes to children feeling secure and supports their emotional well-being.

Staff are highly valued by the leadership team. They are very well supported in their roles, such as by supervision meetings and ongoing training opportunities. Staff's well-being is given a high priority.

They say that they love working for the provider and that they value the support that they receive.Children enjoy a variety of fun activities to support their learning when they are at school. Staff ensure that these are linked to children's interests and help children to persevere with tasks.

This helps to support their concentration skills.Staff engage very well with children and talk to them about how to keep themselves safe during their play. Children do not have access to devices, such as computer tablets, when they are at the club.

However, leaders acknowledge that they could extend children's awareness of keeping safe when they are using online resources outside of the setting.Staff have high expectations and are positive role models for the children. They are extremely attentive to children and continually praise children's efforts and achievements.

Children understand expectations. For example, they know the club's values and the Pioneer Characters, such as Matilda who reminds them to 'be a good friend'.Staff are very mindful about promoting children's good health.

Children know that they need to drink water regularly to remain hydrated. They say that 'you'll get tired and grumpy if you don't drink water'. Staff ensure that physical games are well managed during intense heat, so that children do not become overheated.

For instance, they use well-ventilated and cooler areas indoors to play popular ball games.Leaders continually reflect on what they do and the service provided. They seek the views of all staff and children.

They implement ideas received about what children want to do, such as games they would like to play and having a recycling box for their scrap paper. This helps children to feel valued and included at the club.Children enjoy eating nutritious and healthy snacks.

They are encouraged to be independent and routinely clear their own plates when they have finished eating. Leaders ensure that any medical or dietary requirements are met.There is a positive partnership between the staff and the teachers at the school.

Parents are very complimentary about the club. They report that their children love coming to the club. Parents also say that the staff care for their children extremely well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The leadership team implements safer recruitment procedures to help ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children. Their ongoing suitability is regularly reviewed.

Leaders and staff have a secure knowledge and understanding of how to protect children's welfare. They attend regular training to help keep their knowledge up to date. Staff complete daily risk assessments to ensure the premises and resources used by the children are safe.

This includes minimising the risk of COVID-19. Staff deploy themselves effectively, which ensures the close supervision of children. Collection times are well managed.

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