School of Play at Chorlton Park Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are at the heart of this dynamic setting and gleefully anticipate the activities planned for the day. They have a strong sense of belonging, high levels of self-esteem, and feel safe and secure. Staff have high expectations of the children and treat them with respect.

They care for the children with kindness and compassion, and they act as positive role models. These attitudes are reflected in the children's excellent behaviour. For example, older children support younger children to make superhero capes.

They share their space and resources, and they eagerly show them how to draw triangles and add glitter. Younge...r children delight in the activity and are proud of their efforts.Children's input is valued and welcomed by staff.

Staff make excellent use of morning group time to encourage children to talk about their feelings and discuss what it means to be a good friend. Younger children are paired with a buddy, so they soon settle and become confident in the club. Children enjoy spending most of their time playing outdoors.

Staff provide a wide range of outside activities that respond to different interests, such as listening games or football. They plan lots of ways that help children to develop their physical skills. Children show good throwing and interception skills, and they learn how to balance on apparatus.

Staff also help the children to develop their personal skills. Children cheer on their friends who are playing dodgeball and they remind each other how to play games safely. Children show very positive attitudes towards their play.

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

The manager displays strong leadership skills. She supports staff through regular supervision meetings, and by providing professional development opportunities that further improve their individual skills and knowledge. For example, all staff have access to an online training platform, where they access many training courses.

The dedicated staff team provide high-quality care and fun play experiences for all children.Staff ensure that the club is an inclusive environment. They work closely with parents to ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities have the support that they need.

Staff provide children with healthy snacks, such as fruit, if they forget their own. They are aware of children's allergies and how to meet individual dietary needs. Staff make sure that all children feel welcomed and valued.

This promotes children's confidence and self-esteem.Staff deploy themselves effectively, which means that children are well supported to play and learn. They continually talk to children and help to expand children's conversational skills.

For example, they discuss children's creative designs and events at home, such as upcoming holidays. Staff encourage children to carry out routine tasks for themselves. For instance, they promote children's self-care when using the toilet, getting their own snack, and when washing their hands before and after eating.

High-quality interactions between children and staff help to promote a rich vocabulary. For example, children learn that they can use different words to demonstrate 'perseverance', such as 'dedication' and 'try again'. Staff focus on such words to help children to think and talk about themselves positively.

They place a high emphasis on helping children to develop highly positive attitudes towards themselves and others.Children say that they enjoy attending the club. For example, older children say that they like climbing and balancing outdoors, which helps to promote their health and physical development.

Other children comment that they like the craft activities and making friends. Currently, staff are focusing on reducing the time that children wait to begin activities or go outdoors. They are continually considering how to make the provision even more fun.

Parent partnerships are very strong, and many feel that the club has exceeded their expectation for their children. They describe the staff team as professional and caring. Parents report that communication is excellent and that they enjoy being regularly updated about what their children have been doing.

Staff make effective use of links with other settings that children attend, particularly the host school. This helps them to understand and meet the needs of all children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and staff have a sound understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. They complete mandatory training and they are keen to further expand their knowledge. For example, the manager ensures that staff understand issues such as female genital mutilation and county lines.

Staff are aware of the referral procedure and know the steps to take if they are concerned about the conduct of a colleague. When new staff are recruited, the manager ensures that robust induction procedures are in place. Staff carefully risk assess the premises each day.

For instance, they consistently follow a routine to ensure that entry points to the school site remain locked during club opening times. Staff minimise any potential hazards, and continually monitor and reflect on any accidents. Children's safety is very well considered at all times.

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