SCL @ Cobham Lower School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children demonstrate they are happy and settled at this warm and nurturing club.

Younger children naturally chat about their day as they make their way to the base room with staff. Their older peers are supervised by teachers from the school, and immediately engage in discussions with staff and their younger peers on arrival. All children quickly settle into the activities that are on offer.

For example, they show good creative skills and build a variety of different models with small construction bricks. Children show an interest in what their friends are building and listen to what they have to say. Staff skilfully link ...discussions to events and outings children have taken part in at home with their family.

Children enthusiastically express their thoughts and experiences, such as through discussion, drawing and writing. This supports a sense of belonging at the club, and complements children's early literacy skills at school. Children show good relationships with staff.

They listen to them, put away their belongings and come together for their group discussion shortly after arriving at the club. Staff involve children in the setting rules, which helps them understand the expectations for behaviour. Children independently access water and know to stay hydrated, particularly in warmer weather.

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

The management team regularly evaluate the club and are committed to make positive changes that benefit children. For example, they recognise that staff need to provide even more healthy options for children at snack time to enable them to independently make healthy food choices. They plan to provide staff with further support and guidance in this area, to help them build on children's understanding of leading a healthy life style.

Staff spend time getting to know children well. They plan a broad range of activities that follow their interests, and consistently listen to children's views and ideas. For example, children delight in a variety of craft activities.

They show good imagination and confidently ask staff for additional resources and materials, and staff swiftly act on their request. Those children that prefer some quiet time enjoy reading or playing games with staff.Parents speak highly of the staff at the club.

They say their children have formed friendships with children of different age groups. They comment their children enjoy the activities staff provide and do not want to come home at the end of the day. They say that staff are friendly and approachable, and generally care about their children.

Staff have good relationships with teachers at the school. They pass on messages to parents, which supports a good three-way flow of information sharing. This ensures continuity and effectively promotes children's care and welfare.

Staff provide a range of physical activities that children enjoy. They clearly explain the rules of games, and make sure all children understand them so they can actively participate. Children practise new skills, such as throwing balls in different ways.

They have access to age-appropriate climbing apparatus and learn how to take safe risks.Safety at the setting is a high priority. Staff deploy themselves well and supervise children vigilantly at all times, as they move between the outdoor and indoor environments.

Staff promote diversity and inclusion effectively within the setting. They celebrate diverse festivals and cultural traditions, and incorporate these into children's activities. This helps children develop an understanding of similarities and differences in the wider world.

The site leader has recently had training in managing children's behaviour. She has disseminated this to her staff team and has made some positive changes to routines and behavioural expectations. Staff are good role models.

They are calm and sensitive when speaking to children, should small disputes occur. Staff reward children with certificates or wrist bands for their positive behaviour and daily achievements. This helps to boost children's confidence and self-esteem.

Older children show kindness and consideration to their younger peers. For example, as children engage in their play, they give explanations to help them understand words such as 'symmetrical.'

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff access safeguarding training, and leaders check that this knowledge is kept up to date. Staff know how to keep children protected from harm and understand the referral procedure to follow if there are concerns about children's welfare or the conduct of a colleague. They have a broad understanding of safeguarding issues, including radicalisation and female genital mutilation.

The premises are secure. Robust risk assessments help to make sure any potential hazards are minimised and children are kept safe. Effective recruitment procedures ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children.

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