Play Place At Hawkhurst

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy and relaxed at the club. They are pleased to see each other at the end of the school day. On arrival, they quickly choose what to play with and become immersed in activities, such as indoor golf and drawing.

Children demonstrate high levels of independence. For example, they pour their own drinks, make their own wraps at teatime and wash their hands before eating.Children play well together and are respectful to staff and each other.

For example, during a game of indoor golf, they shout and cheer for each other when they successfully get the ball in the 'hole'. Children demonstrate their kindness to each... other when they invite other children to join in their play. They understand the rules and boundaries of the club and respond well to the consistent high expectations of behaviour.

They readily share resources and take turns. Children have positive relationships with staff. They listen carefully to staff and respond well to instructions.

For instance, when asked, they tidy away resources when they have finished with an activity. Furthermore, the caring and inclusive approach of staff helps children feel safe and secure after a day at school.

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

All children at the club have a key person, which has a positive effect on their emotional well-being.

Staff with childcare qualifications have responsibility for younger children and staff with experience working in schools supervise older children. Parents and children know who to go to for updates, help and information about their child.Staff are supported well.

They meet with the manager and senior leaders for supervision sessions to discuss their workload and personal development opportunities. The manager monitors staff performance and provides ongoing support and training.Partnerships with parents are strong.

Parents comment that staff are very approachable and know their children well. For example, they know each child's individual food preferences. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents do not come into the school building.

However, staff still ensure parents receive daily feedback about what their child has enjoyed. Robust registration processes ensure staff have all the information necessary to meet the needs of every child. Furthermore, when children start at the club, staff liaise with parents and school staff to ensure children feel safe and secure from the outset.

Children develop their emotional, behavioural and social skills as they participate in team games, such as football. Staff give plenty of praise and encouragement, which successfully enhances children's self-esteem and confidence.Staff know the children in their care well.

They are gentle and nurturing with the children, listen carefully to what children say and value their input. Children confidently ask staff for help when needed.Leaders regularly evaluate the service they provide.

They seek the views of staff and children to help identify any areas for further development. The manager regularly asks children what activities and resources they would like available to play with. Senior leaders are reviewing systems to improve ways to receive feedback from parents.

Staff encourage children to be healthy and active. For example, on arrival at the club children are encouraged to eat some fruit. Staff provide nutritious food at mealtimes and remind children to drink throughout the session, to remain hydrated.

Additionally, children spend long periods of time playing outside in all weathers, enjoying the benefits of fresh air and exercise. They enhance their physical skills as they confidently use the climbing and balancing equipment in the school playground.The manager has strong links with the local community and encourages children to join in village events.

For example, children make decorations to hang on the village Christmas tree. This helps children to know and build relationships with other people in the community.Children of all ages play well together and enjoy each other's company.

Staff gently address the rare incidences of challenging behaviour and discuss with children the effect their behaviour has on others.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a secure understanding of their responsibilities to keep children safe.

They know the signs that a child might be at risk of abuse and neglect. Staff demonstrate that they have a robust knowledge of the processes to follow if they have concerns about children. Thorough recruitment processes ensure all staff are suitable to work with children.

Senior leaders regularly check the ongoing suitability of staff. Staff complete daily checks indoors and outdoors to help identify and minimise any potential hazards for children. This ensures children have a safe environment in which to play after school.