Quilters Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children cheerfully greet the member of staff who collects them from their classroom.

Staff place hi-visibility jackets on the children to help identify them as the out-of-school club children. Children chat calmly together as they move from classroom to classroom, collecting all of the children. They clearly understand and follow the club's safety rules during this process, to ensure they reach the out of school club rooms safely.

When they arrive at the club, children place their belongings in the designated area before entering the club rooms and excitedly engaging in their chosen play.Children enjoy meeting up with the...ir friends. They share kind and caring relationships with each other and with staff.

Children share jokes with the staff and share their views, such as that 'coming to the club makes them happy'. Children's voices are valued. They are provided with excellent opportunities to feed their ideas into the planning.

For example, the club operates a positive reward scheme. Children decide on the behaviours that will help them to earn these rewards and the prizes awarded when they have reached a goal.

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

Staff have worked hard to support children to settle back into the routine following the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic lockdowns.

They have developed their understanding of children's emotional well-being and put in place strategies to support children and staff in re-adjusting to normal life.Staff provide an exciting and welcoming environment for children to explore. They spend time speaking with the children to gain their views and understand their interests.

Staff work very closely with the school and often base their activities around similar themes to provide continuity for the children. For example, as the school are currently learning about autumn and harvest time, the club staff provide a range of activities, which includes exploring vegetables.Children are given good opportunities to extend their knowledge of other people and learn about communities outside of their own.

For example, they visit the local library, fire station and circus. Staff then plan activities to further enhance these experiences, such as providing a selection of 'magic tricks' and circus skill equipment for children to practise what they have seen.Parents speak highly of the out-of-school club staff and management.

They comment that communication is very good and they are provided with clear information about what their children are doing each day. The club staff have a good relationship with the school teachers and head of the school, who often visit the club. Staff work well with other professionals, especially when children attend more than one care provider.

The provider supports the staff and managers very well. Staff comment that there are good systems in place to support their well-being. The manager provides staff with a wide range of training opportunities and supports staff development through regular supervision.

Children participate in physical activities, organised both by the staff and through external coaches. For example, they enjoy a fun sports session with a coach and have a go at archery.The provider ensures that the premises are safe.

For example, a recent review of the school's security during the out-of-school club hours has prompted staff to work with the school to install a padlock on the main gates. This helps staff and managers to have greater control over who has access to the outdoor areas of the school during their hours of operation. Staff now monitor children's collection time more effectively.

Children thoroughly enjoy the healthy meals and snacks provided. The cooked food is prepared at the club's link nursery. Children sit together to enjoy the meal and chat about what they have done during the day.

They use good table manners and help each other, for example by handing out individual water bottles.Children learn about keeping themselves safe and healthy. They talk with staff about online safety measures and staff closely supervise their use of any form of technology.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff and managers demonstrate a good understanding of their responsibilities with regards to protecting children. They regularly update their safeguarding knowledge, for example through training, quizzes and questionnaires.

Staff recognise the signs and symptoms that might alert them to a child being harmed, including wider safeguarding issues, such as extremist views. The provider has robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure that all new staff are thoroughly vetted. New staff receive an in-depth induction, which includes familiarising themselves with the company's safeguarding procedures.

Also at this postcode