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About Safe Hands Professional After School Childcare
Name
Safe Hands Professional After School Childcare
Address
Harrietsham Church of England Primary School, West Street, Maidstone, ME17 1JZ
Phase
Childcare on Non-Domestic Premises, Out-of day care
Gender
Mixed
Local Authority
Kent
Highlights from Latest Inspection
What is it like to attend this early years setting?
This provision meets requirements Children flourish in this caring and nurturing environment.
They smile and chat to staff from the moment they arrive. They quickly settle and choose what they would like to do. While some enjoy running, riding and playing ball in the large outdoor space, others settle inside with craft activities.
Children actively share their ideas and interests with staff. Together, they plan stimulating activities that provide challenge and develop curiosity. For example, children noticed the spiders' webs on the way to school.
This inspired a minibeasts theme to increase children's knowledge of other insects.Children have spac...e to relax with their friends. During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, children had to remain in small 'bubbles' during activities.
However, they are now excited to rekindle friendships and play in larger groups. Sometimes, they find this difficult, as they relearn how to negotiate and accommodate one another's ideas. Staff skilfully step in and support children to take turns and listen to one another.
Consequently, children enjoy games of football, share materials at the art table and help one another at snack time.Staff know the children and their families well. There is much laughter as children tell staff about their day at school.
Children appear confident, happy and secure in the strong attachments they have made with staff and one another.
What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?
The nurturing and dedicated manager consistently aims to provide the highest standards of care. She works hard to create a welcoming and inclusive club for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
She maintains a sharp focus on developing children's self-esteem, well-being and resilience. She reflects on her practice by actively seeking the views of staff and parents to continually improve and develop the provision. She works well with other professionals, including with the children's teachers.
Children become fascinated and absorbed in their play. They demonstrate high levels of curiosity as they explore and experiment. For example, they enjoy making water prints as they ride, walk and drive cars through puddles.
They develop their imaginations as they create their own stories, such as with the sticky 'webs' they find hidden among branches and pine cones. Staff extend children's ideas and thoughts by asking questions and skilfully joining in with their play.Staff encourage children to follow good hygiene practices and to make healthy lifestyle choices.
For example, while children prepare their own snacks, staff talk about how the nutritious food provides them with energy. Children enjoy lots of fresh air and exercise as they play outside in the woods, on the playground and at the park.Children demonstrate high levels of positive behaviour.
They are kind, polite and respectful. Staff encourage children to talk about their lives and experiences, as they learn how similar and different they all are. Children love to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and festivals, with one another.
Parents say how delighted they are with the care their children receive. They comment on the excellent support and communication they have with staff, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are effusive in their praise for the staff and the commitment they show to their children and families.
Staff feel very supported by the manager and comment on how their well-being is important to her. They take part in supervision meetings, where they plan additional support or training to develop their practice.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
The manager ensures all staff regularly update their knowledge of child protection. There are policies and procedures in place for safeguarding, including a robust recruitment procedure to ensure children are safe. Staff know how to identify potential signs of abuse and the procedures to report concerns about a child's welfare.
They are aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as protecting children from extreme views, county lines and online grooming. They provide parents with information about online safety to help them protect their children at home. The manager shares accurate and timely reports with other professionals, such as teachers, to ensure children's safety.
