S4A Group Ltd@Steeple Claydon

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club. They talk very positively about the fun they have and how much they like the staff. Children behave very well.

They are polite and encouraging to each other. They share, take turns and help each other as they play. Children of all ages and abilities play together happily.

Children are very inclusive of each other and kind and encouraging in their interactions. Children hold meaningful conversations with each other and adults. Staff's interactions with children are of a very high quality, overall.

They listen respectfully to what children say, and encourage them to ...express their thoughts and share their opinions. Children thrive in the positive and encouraging atmosphere.Leaders put a lot of thought into the activities and experiences they offer to children.

They are clear about the skills and knowledge they want children to take from their time at the club. Staff want children to have lots of opportunities to be physically active, to explore the natural world and to develop their confidence and independence. Children really enjoy what is on offer.

They have lots of fun, while also building very well on the skills and knowledge they are gaining at school.

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

Children take part in a range of fun activities. On the day of the inspection, children were extremely excited to take part in a forest school session.

They showed real awe and wonder as they investigated minibeasts, built dens and found out about different plants. What children learn at the club enhances their learning from school very well.There are effective systems in place for gathering information from parents and sharing information with the host school.

Staff use these systems well to meet any individual needs of children and to provide a very inclusive environment.Staff place a high priority on encouraging children to be physically active. Children enjoy exploring the climbing equipment.

They take part in a well-planned programme of sports and ball games. Through these activities children are developing their coordination and stamina. They also show they are developing a positive attitude towards an active lifestyle.

Children show pride in their achievements. They are keen to take home what they have made. They enjoy showing staff what they can do and smile with pride when the staff offer lots of praise.

Overall, staff have high expectations of children's capabilities to manage risks. For example, they teach children how to identify plants that could irritate the skin and teach them what to do if they find one. Children rise to the occasion and keep themselves and others safe.

Occasionally, staff are overly cautious about younger children's capabilities. This impacts on these children's opportunities to use tools they will be learning to use safely elsewhere. For example, on the day of the inspection, younger children were not offered scissors to use, even though they would have done so under close adult supervision.

The provider and leaders are extremely passionate about what they do. They work very hard to be good role models for children and to provide a safe and nurturing environment. The provider has very high expectations of staff performance.

Staff are observed and given feedback regularly. This helps maintain high standards of conduct among staff. It also helps ensure the club remains a popular, safe and enjoyable space for children.

Children and parents are full of praise for the club and the staff. Parents report their children are disappointed on days they do not go, and they often book them in on days when they could collect them from school. Children say the club is 'fun' and 'excellent'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff supervise children closely and ensure the premises are safe and secure. Staff show an accurate and detailed understanding of the signs that could indicate a child is at risk of harm.

They know who to share any concerns with and the importance of doing so promptly, to protect children. They understand their responsibility to escalate any concerns beyond the provider if they were unhappy with what was going to happen next. The provider follows effective recruitment procedures to ensure the suitability of those employed to work with children.

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