SCL at Parsonage Farm

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children demonstrate that they feel happy, safe and secure at the club. They benefit from the relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere, where they have plenty of activities to choose from.

Children say that they like attending the club 'because the staff are nice' and they 'like to make new friends'. Children form close bonds with staff, who are friendly and attentive towards them. They eagerly invite staff to join in with their games.

For instance, staff enthusiastically join in with children as they slide beanbags along the floor to reach a target. Children arrive eager to find out what activities are planned for the day. Staff in...volve the children fully in making choices and taking ownership for their behaviour.

For example, children have positive discussions about the club rules. Older children are caring and considerate towards the younger children. They happily involve them in their play.

This is clear when older children explain the rules of a card matching game to younger children. Children enjoy taking part in physically active games with their friends. They enjoy team games, such as throwing and catching balls, with increasing coordination.

Staff fully understand the needs of younger children. For example, they encourage short bursts of activity and rest, which they plan into the daily routine. This ensures that their well-being is fully considered.

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

Staff comment that they very much appreciate the support that the management team gives them. They take part in regular training opportunities, to help keep their knowledge up to date and current. The management team effectively supports staff well-being to ensure they feel valued and able to focus on their role.

As a result, staff report high levels of satisfaction in their work.The atmosphere at the club is very positive. Children have many opportunities to be involved in decision-making about the activities and resources provided each day.

As a result, children are keen to participate and remain engaged for long periods of time.Staff encourage children to develop their independence. Children know where to find their favourite toys and choose what they would like to play with.

Staff support children to develop their self-care skills. For example, younger children find their own packed lunch boxes, wash their hands and use the toilet independently.Children's behaviour is excellent.

Staff encourage children to treat each other with respect. They offer 'reward wristbands' for children that demonstrate the club values. Children beam with pride when they receive a reward and proudly show off to their friends.

This helps to boost their self-esteem.Staff support children to develop an awareness of a healthy lifestyle. They encourage children to wash their hands before eating and drink plenty of water after playing active games.

The manager and staff effectively evaluate their practice together. For example, at the end of each day they discuss how well they engaged children in their play opportunities. Staff use their findings to support their planning of future activities to help keep children motivated.

This includes considering how they can make activities even better.Staff excel at challenging stereotypes. Children learn to recognise and celebrate each other's differences in an age-appropriate way.

Girls and boys are encouraged to take part in all of the activities on offer, regardless of their gender. For example, girls thoroughly enjoy playing a game of football. They show pride in their achievements when they score a goal, saying 'I got one in.'

Parents are very complimentary about the service the club provides. They say that they feel the staff are 'friendly' and 'approachable'. Staff communicate well with parents and keep them fully informed.

For example, at the end of each day they share with parents what their children have enjoyed doing during their time at the club.Staff establish positive relationships with children and get to know their individual personalities well, including their likes and dislikes. They provide many exciting and themed activities.

For instance, children are highly motivated and interested to take part in activities during 'superhero week'. Children delight in using a range of materials to decorate their own 'superhero cape'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

All staff have received training and fully understand their roles and responsibilities to safeguard children, including how to protect them against radical and extremist views and behaviours. They understand how to raise concerns about children's welfare in line with the local safeguarding procedures. Risk assessments are effective.

For example, regular headcounts ensure that when children move from one area to another, staff account for everyone present. There are robust procedures in place to protect children with food allergies. The manager follows safer recruitment procedures to ensure only suitable staff work with children.

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