Saplings Afterschool Club Limited

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The club offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are valued and respected. Children attend from two local schools and are happy and eager to be at the club. Children are aware of the routine, and immediately settle into various activities on arrival that have been set out in the indoor environment.

Staff have high expectations and are positive role models. Children form strong bonds with staff, and are self-assured and confident. They engage in art and craft activities, which promote their imaginative and creative skills.

Children benefit from appropriate praise that promotes their self-confidence a...nd gives them a strong sense of belonging. Children know their efforts are valued when their artwork is displayed. Children engage in cooperative play, and enjoy sharing and taking turns.

They are skilful communicators and use a wide range of vocabulary to express their interests and experiences. However, sometimes, children become overexcited and the environment becomes noisy. This distracts children who are engaged in their own quiet activities.

The majority of the children are older, and are caring and considerate to the younger children. Overall, children are well behaved and treat one another with kindness and respect.

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

Children enjoy chatting with their friends and staff about their busy day at school.

Staff teach children good road safety routines, equipping them with lifelong skills for their future. For instance, children are aware of the importance of holding hands when walking to the club from school, and paying attention to road signs. Children demonstrate good listening skills and follow instructions well.

Staff have good knowledge of children's individual needs and interests, and this is reflected in the organisation of the well-resourced environment. Children enjoy reading books with their friends in the cosy book corner. They handle books carefully, and are able to share and take turns.

Children are sociable and build strong friendships.Staff promote inclusiveness and diversity. They understand the differing needs of children, including those who speak English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

They liaise with the local authority adviser and other professionals to coordinate support for those children with SEND.Staff are aware of any allergies or dietary requirements to ensure children's needs are met. They provide children with homemade, nutritious meals.

Sometimes, children actively participate in preparing their own meals. For example, children made their own pitta sandwiches, using a wide range of healthy fillings. Although children are given healthy meals and snacks, staff do not routinely prioritise children's learning about the importance of healthy eating and its impact on their bodies.

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise. Staff frequently take children on outings to local places of interest, such as the fire station, the police station, parks and woodland areas. Staff teach children how to manage risks when faced with new challenges.

For example, during nature walks, children were encouraged to risk assess the height of trees before climbing them. This promotes their self-confidence and awareness of personal safety.Parents have close and trusting relationships with the staff.

There is effective two-way communication to ensure continuity in children's development at home and in the club. For example, staff give parents daily feedback about their child's time at the club, and information from their school. Parents appreciate the flexible care and additional support staff provide when families experience challenges in their lives.

The provider is totally committed to providing good-quality care, which is a vision she shares with her staff. The provider values her staff, and encourages their professional development, ensuring that they continuously develop their skills. The provider has regular meetings with staff to reflect on how they can improve in their role, and any other support that they may need.

All these opportunities help staff to feel valued and work together as a team. There is a good team spirit and staff are well supported.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The provider and staff have a good understanding of child protection procedures. They are aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and know the local referral procedures to follow if they are concerned about a child's welfare and how to deal with allegations. There are robust recruitment procedures to ensure staff are suitable to work with children.

Staff are deployed effectively and monitor children's whereabouts closely, as they move from one area to another. Staff complete risk assessments to ensure the premises are safe. The premises are secure, and children cannot leave unsupervised, and unwanted visitors cannot gain access.