Play Pals Childcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are extremely happy at this warm and welcoming club. They are familiar with the club's routines and confidently interact with staff. Children are very kind to each other and play cooperatively together.

They take turns and encourage each other as they hit balls and shuttlecocks with racquets in the outdoor space. Older children are considerate of younger children's needs. For example, they turn the rope slower when skipping together and help them to recognise letters and numbers when playing a lucky dip game.

Staff know children incredibly well and are attentive to their needs. They are excellent role models and p...romote good manners well. Conversations between staff and children focus on their day at school, likes and dislikes and their experiences at home.

Interactions between children are very respectful and positive. For example, children chat to each other happily about the swamps they make together in the sand and water area.The environment is well considered, and children have access to a wide range of activities and resources.

Indoors, they choose from craft activities, board games, and play dough. There is a quiet space available for relaxing and reading. Children are physically active as they play football, ride wheeled vehicles and enjoy drawing huge floor pictures with chunky chalks outside.

Staff engage in play with children. They challenge them to hula hoop games and play board games with them. This motivates children in their play, ensuring that they remain engaged and are always busy.

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

The setting is highly aspirational. Leaders continuously seek to improve and are very reflective. They have a good overview of the club's strengths and have implemented effective systems to ensure that the club operates smoothly.

This enables staff to focus on spending quality time interacting with children.Regular supervision meetings enable leaders to further enhance staff's practice. Staff attend a range of training and have a good understanding of their responsibilities.

They say that leaders are mindful of their well-being and that they feel well supported. Staff say that they are very happy in their work and find it rewarding.Staff actively seek children's views and incorporate their ideas when planning activities.

They plan exciting experiences based on children's interests, which helps to ensure that children are highly engaged at all times. For example, staff organised football themed events when children expressed a strong interest in the recent international football competition.Staff provide a range of food choices at snack time.

They respond to children's suggestions about the food they would like. Children serve themselves accompaniments including salad, vegetables, fresh fruit and water. Staff sit alongside children, engaging them in conversation and promoting healthy choices.

This means that snack time is an enjoyable social experience for all children.Independence is promoted well. On arrival, children quickly settle and put their belongings away.

They tidy away resources when they have finished with them and helpfully wash and dry their own dishes after snack time. Staff are mindful of the needs of younger children and provide appropriate support when necessary.Reasonable adjustments are in place to ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) thrive at this club.

Leaders have established strong links with the host school. This enables staff to fully understand the specific needs of children with SEND and to make appropriate adaptations.Children's safety is a priority at this setting.

Leaders and staff make regular checks to ensure that the environment and resources are in good condition and fit for purpose. Secure procedures are in place for dropping off and collecting children. Staff explain to children how the club's rules help to keep them and others safe.

Comprehensive risk assessments are completed by staff before they take children on outings in the local community. Safety measures, including regular head counts and the wearing of high-visibility jackets, are implemented well. This ensures that children are kept safe.

Parents are very complimentary about the club and would recommend it to others. They say that staff genuinely care about their children. Parents are confident that their children are happy, safe and enjoy their time at the club.

They say that staff meet the needs of children exceptionally well, including younger children and those with SEND.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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