Schools Out Club - St Stephens

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have good relationships with staff and settle well at the club.

They are happy to be there and keen to play with their friends. Staff organise resources well to make them accessible to children. This enables children to make independent choices in their play.

Children are cooperative and play well together. They share toys and equipment and have fun as they organise games, such as hide and seek. Staff include children's ideas in their planning and value their suggestions.

Children are confident and show pride in what they do. Creative play is popular and children like to paint, draw and make things to tak...e home. Staff and children have warm conversations during the session.

Children chat about their school day and any other important events. They show excitement in birthday celebrations and enjoy special times together. Staff interact with children and support them well to meet individual needs.

Children behave well as they understand the rules and expectations of behaviour. They know that they can run and play energetic games outdoors, which they enjoy doing. Children frequently choose to play outdoors and benefit from fresh air and physical exercise.

The provider and staff meet their aims for children to be happy, safe and secure in the club.

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

Support and supervision of staff is effective. The provider works with, and observes, the staff on a regular basis.

Staff meetings provide regular opportunities to have discussions about their provision, to identify and act on aspects for improvement. The provider organises training for staff to meet the qualification requirements in paediatric first aid. Together they discuss the policies and procedures that support staff in their roles and responsibilities.

Staff have a general understanding of these and know how to find advice when needed to support their practice.The provider and staff have good links with the school. They work in effective partnership to keep children safe.

For example, they increased security with the addition of a gate to the outside play area and higher handles fitted to internal doors. The provider uses robust vetting and recruitment procedures to check that persons working with children are suitable. In addition, the provider has regard for the school policies and procedures, to keep children safe.

Children show respect towards adults and are polite. They are familiar with the routines and readily ask staff for anything they need. Children understand how to help and what they need to do.

For instance, they put things away before they go outside.Parents provide positive feedback about the care that their children receive.They appreciate the service and say that children enjoy attending.

Parents and staff have regular discussions about the children and their activities. Staff provide information for parents about the club and relevant policies.Children enjoy sociable breakfast and snack times at the club.

Staff provide a selection of savoury items and fresh fruits to meet children's individual dietary requirements. Children relax and enjoy chatting with their friends after school.The provider, staff and children adapt well to changes within the club.

For instance, since the last inspection, the club has moved into a designated classroom within the school. Staff complete frequent safety checks to make sure that the premises remain safe and suitable.Children like to design and construct models with different play materials.

They use the available resources well to remain occupied throughout the session. Outdoors, children run around happily and explore with interest. They collect water from a container and take it to the mud kitchen, where they play imaginary games.

Children use their physical skills to climb and jump with confidence.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The provider and staff complete relevant training in child protection procedures.

They are aware of signs and symptoms of abuse, and the action to take with concerns to protect children's welfare. The provider and staff follow robust procedures to monitor visitors and parents on the premises. The safeguarding policies and procedures cover various aspects, including the use of mobile phones and internet safety.

Staff have suitable arrangements to book children in and to collect them from school. They maintain ratios and provide appropriate support, to meet the needs of children. Staff know the children well and are conscientious in their supervision of them.