Sapling Childcare - Little Willows

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are excited to arrive at the club. They greet staff warmly and enjoy talking about what they have done at school that day. They quickly settle to games and activities that complement well the skills they are developing elsewhere.

For example, they play board games, make models out of dough and practise their dance moves for an upcoming school show. Children of all ages mix well together and there is a friendly and happy atmosphere.The provider and staff are positive role models.

They speak to each other respectfully and politely. Children behave well. Staff show an interest in children's lives and share news of th...eir own lives too.

For example, younger children enjoy looking at pictures of a staff member's dog. Staff involve children in some of the running of the club. For example, children take turns to prepare tables for snacks.

However, staff do not fully involve children in the planning of activities to further extend their organisational and decision-making skills.Staff promote children's good health and physical development well. Children enjoy the healthy snacks.

On the day of the inspection, children enjoyed choosing their own fillings for their wraps. Children have opportunities for energetic play inside and out. For example, they use scooters outside and play table tennis inside.

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

The provider is very committed to providing a good-quality service that meets the needs of parents and children. She sends out regular surveys to find out their views and uses the responses well as part of her regular evaluations of the provision. She is inspired by training she attends to make ongoing improvements.

For example, she is developing more opportunities for children to take part in exciting and challenging physical play.Staff are very nurturing and kind. Younger children all have a key person who supports them during their time at the club.

These children build especially strong bonds with this member of staff. These younger children are confident to play with older children and show that they feel happy and secure.Staff take account of the ages and interests of children who attend, when planning activities.

However, children have limited opportunities to make suggestions and to help plan activities alongside staff. Nevertheless children thoroughly enjoy what is on offer.Partnerships with the host school are strong and respectful.

The provider has regular meetings with senior staff to find out what children are learning at school so she can complement this at the club. There are also robust procedures for sharing sensitive information about individual children so that staff at the club can continue to meet children's individual needs effectively.Children cooperate well with the routines of the club.

They understand the importance of following rules to stay safe, for example which parts of the school are out of bounds when the club is open. They show good levels of independence. For example, they look after their own belongings on arrival and confidently meet their own care needs.

Staff provide good levels of extra support or encouragement when needed for individual children. For example, at snack times they sit with children who are less confident about trying different foods. Their gentle encouragement is often effective and children show delight when they discover that that like the taste of something new.

Staff play games alongside children and model well how to take turns and play cooperatively.Staff encourage children well to build on skills they are developing at school, while also ensuring that the club is enjoyable and relaxing. For example, younger children carefully count as they move counters on board games and other children draw pictures and practise their writing.

Staff enjoy working at the club. They find the provider helpful and approachable. They appreciate the regular opportunities to discuss their performance and the support the provider gives to enable them to do their job well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider takes effective steps to ensure all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and are able to fulfil them effectively. All staff attend regular training and the provider keeps them well informed about any useful information that she receives from the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Staff are able to identify and respond to any signs that a child may be at risk of harm. Staff have a good understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as the signs that a child may be at risk from exposure to extreme views. The provider follows thorough recruitment procedures to ensure those employed to work with children are suitable to do so.

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