Play At Carden Nursery And Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy their time in this friendly club. They are happy and well cared for by the attentive staff. The club offers secure spaces for children to unwind after a busy school day.

Children know the routines and are quickly engaged in the inviting activities on offer, including the scheduled activity of the day. For example, they say they 'love art and craft' on Mondays. Children are supported well by staff, who provide resources and encourage them to have a go and use their own creative ideas.

Children are praised for their efforts and are excited to take home their creations. This supports their good self-esteem. Chi...ldren form positive relationships with staff, who consistently model respect and kindness.

Children listen carefully and respond to instructions. They behave very well. Children of all ages play happily together and help each other.

For example, older children help younger ones understand how to play games, such as noughts and crosses. Children can sit quietly or choose to be active, both indoors and outdoors, in the school grounds. They negotiate roles and rules as they play football or practise basketball with the enthusiastic staff.

Children learn good social skills and make new friendships.

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

The manager and staff show energy and dedication to their role. They clearly enjoy working with children and they work well together.

Staff join in with children's games and activities with enthusiasm. This helps to provide a happy atmosphere for the children. Staff have a good focus on the younger children to ensure they are settled and engaged.

Staff encourage lively conversations with children as they play. Staff speak to children about what they are doing, ask questions and encourage them to extend their play. They listen carefully to children and value their ideas and opinions.

For example, a jewellery making activity day has been introduced at the children's request. Children are supported to talk about worries or concerns they may have.The manager and staff know the children well and make sure there are a range of activities to match children's individual interests.

For example, children concentrate very well on building elaborate models. The manager is introducing a two-week timetable to enable a wider variety of planned activities, such as a sport focus.Staff offer children a good range of food to encourage healthy eating.

For instance, children choose a piece of fruit, such as a plum or banana, when they arrive in the club. Later they have a choice of hot or cold food, including salad. Staff have a good knowledge of children's allergies or dietary needs, and these are met.

Children enjoy helping themselves from the 'buffet style' dinner.The club is inclusive and all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are welcomed. The manager and staff work closely with parents and school staff to meet any child's particular requirements.

The manager provides additional equipment or support from staff, if needed, to ensure children are fully included.The manager holds regular supervision meetings with staff. These help to ensure ongoing improvements to staff practice that are linked to providing good outcomes for children.

Staff have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. The manager and staff work well together as a team and share ideas. For example, staff are now more involved in planning activities.

The manager and staff have strong partnerships with staff in the school. This enables them to easily share key information about the children, to help ensure continuity of care. Staff pass on messages for parents.

Parents say they are happy with the club. They speak highly of the manager and staff and appreciate the flexible childcare provided. Parents are given a brief club timetable for the week.

However, the manager is reviewing the information given to parents and plans to give more feedback about their children's activities.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and staff complete appropriate safeguarding training regularly with staff in the school.

They have a good understanding of what to do if they have a concern about a child's welfare. They are clear about the procedures to follow. Staff are carefully checked to ensure they are suitable to work with children.

The manager and staff supervise children carefully to help ensure they play safely. The premises are secure, so that children cannot leave unsupervised and unexpected visitors cannot gain access. Staff are trained to know what to do in a medical emergency.

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