Quackers Out Of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children in this setting are happy and well looked after. They relax and unwind in the calm environment. Children have flexibility in the days they attend and make choices about what they want to play with.

Board games, played with friends, create positive relationships in the group, and staff ensure no child is left out. For example, staff join in to make the teams fair as children set up a game of toy soldiers. Staff help children to solve problems and make new relationships.

Children enjoy playing competitive games and feel that they can trust the staff or ask them for help. Children are offered a range of healthy snack...s and practise hygiene routines regularly. They always have the choice to play outside, or in the large hall and access a range of sports equipment.

Children show good manners and are polite and respectful to each other. Children of all ages behave well and are confident to approach visitors to the club. Older children are good role models for the younger children.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, parents now wait outside the club. Children excitedly tell their parents about their time spent in the club and ask when they are due to attend again.

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

Staff have a good understanding of out-of-school care.

They ensure that children can relax and socialise with their friends. They balance this well with opportunities for children to engage in stimulating activities that support their formal learning. The club provides a different environment in contrast to children's day at school.

Children form strong friendships and enjoy one another's company as they take part in activities, such as games, crafts and sports. This helps children to build on their social, physical and creative skills. Staff engage with children enthusiastically during meaningful conversations, listening to children's views and opinions.

For example, staff chat to children about recent football results in the sporting calendar and enquire about what is planned for the forthcoming holidays.Snack time has changed in line with COVID-19 requirements at the time. Children are not able to prepare or self-serve their own snack as they would have, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leadership team recognise this restricts children's promotion of their independence skills, at this time, and hope to return to pre-pandemic procedures shortly.Children are confident communicators. They behave well and feel safe and secure at the after-school club.

Any minor tussles are quickly resolved and staff, when necessary, remind the children of the 'Quackers Rules.' Staff support children to follow good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands prior to meals and snacks. Children understand the routines and remember to tell a member of staff when they are going to go to the toilet, to support their safety and security.

Partnerships with parents are strong and parents speak highly of the provision. Parents are informed about their children's time in the club. They know who to speak to if they have questions and tell the inspector how staff support their children with schoolwork.

For example, staff test children on their spellings, ahead of their regular tests.The leadership team work hard for the club to be successful. They undertake training and use their experiences to support each other in a small team.

Staff tell the inspector they feel very well supported and their well-being is checked upon at regular intervals. Leaders undertake regular supervision meetings and follow safer recruitment processes. This ensures that staff are suitable to work with children and have a strong understanding of their role.

Partnership working with the host school is strong. This helps staff to have a better understanding of the needs of the children who attend. Staff exchange information and relay messages from teachers and parents to help with communication and consistency.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and neglect, including broader safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty. They know the procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child in their care.

The leadership team follows safer recruitment procedures to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. All staff attend mandatory safeguarding training and keep up to date with changes in legislation and policy. Staff are deployed well to ensure good levels of supervision and support for all children.

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