School’s Out Activities At Ipswich High School, Woolverstone

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements All children are eager to attend the welcoming and vibrant club. They delight in spending time with friends they make at the club and the staff.

Children communicate their ideas readily and respond positively to the suggestions and support offered to them. They are keen to involve the staff and visitors in their role-play games as they develop fun stories and use dressing-up clothes to bring their characters to life. Children become deeply involved in an array of creative activities and explore materials and media they do not experience at home or school.

For example, younger children enjoying putting their hands and feet ...in paint and use the prints they create to represent an alien character. Their sense of pride in their achievements is exceptionally strong as they talk about taking their crafts home to show their family. Children experience an exciting range of sports and physical play opportunities, both indoors and outdoors.

For instance, they enjoy jumping energetically on the large inflatable play equipment, swimming and climbing on outdoor apparatus. They listen well to instructions during popular team games, using balls and ride-on toys. Children demonstrate that they feel very safe at the club.

They benefit from sensitive support when they are feeling unwell or are hesitant to join in with a new activity.

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

The owner, managers and staff share a strong commitment to provide safe, stimulating, and high-quality play experiences for children. Leaders place emphasis on nurturing the well-being of staff and supporting their professional development.

This helps staff to be cheerful, engaging and highly motivated in their work with the children.Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour and regularly remind children of the positive 'Camp Rules'. They are superb role models and offer plenty of praise to help motivate children's kindness and cooperation.

For example, children are given a 'high five' for waiting patiently in the line before moving on to a new activity.Staff recognise that younger children sometimes feel the need to rest during their time at the club. They provide comfortable and cosy spaces, where children can relax and spend time on quieter activities, such as reading.

Children make good use of the available theatre space. Staff extend opportunities for children to build their confidence and express themselves through singing, dancing, and acting. Children grow in confidence as they work together to perform a show on the 'big stage'.

Staff make sure this well-loved aspect of the provision is available to view online, so all parents can share in their children's achievements.Children have ample opportunities to be independent and make choices in their play. A wide variety of toys, games and equipment are provided for them to choose from.

Children are also encouraged to request additional games and craft activities to suit their changing interests. For example, staff provide paints and card when children express an interest in making some models of the planets for their space-themed display.There are daily opportunities for children to be active and exercise in the outdoor space.

Children choose from a wide range of sports equipment and staff encourage them to make the most of the space. For example, children challenge each other to complete an obstacle course with various balancing, throwing, and jumping tasks.Partnership working with parents is effective.

Staff share information with parents daily and ensure important messages are promptly passed on. Informative display boards are positioned at the entrances, providing details of the activities planned and the staff working with each group of children. Parents appreciate how keen their children are to attend the club.

They say that the staff work hard to make sure there are activities to suit children of all ages and abilities.Staff diligently follow well-thought-out procedures to supervise children's arrival and departure at the club. They use two-way radio devices to communicate and inform each other of children's whereabouts.

Staff regularly count the children and check they are all present. This helps to ensure children's safety as they move around the different areas on site.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Stringent recruitment checks help to make sure staff are suitable to work with children. Managers meet with staff regularly to discuss any changes that may impact on their ongoing suitability. Staff recognise the signs which may cause them concern about a child's welfare.

For example, they are careful to monitor children's attendance and refer any worries to the local safeguarding partnership. Staff are encouraged to complete regular training about wider safeguarding issues, such as the risks associated with online activities. This helps to further promote children's well-being.

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