Schools Out Stay ’n’ Play

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy at this friendly club and fully understand the routines. For example, after washing their hands, they each choose a book and sit at the table to read before snack time.

Staff get to know children quickly when they first start, which helps children to settle. Children help to decide on expectations for behaviour and follow these well.The atmosphere of the club is one of positivity and encouragement.

Staff celebrate children's efforts by awarding them with stickers for their individual sticker charts. The other children clap and cheer their friends on to celebrate their achievements. Children have positive... attitudes towards their play and show high levels of perseverance.

For example, they develop their small-muscle skills while making detailed models of 'spaghetti and meatballs' and 'pepperoni pizza' using play dough. Children follow their own ideas, such as when using creative materials to make a 'space bunny' and a 'precious ring.' They use scissors to skilfully cut ribbon to 'make the zip' for a spacesuit.

Children say that the glue has made their hands 'sticky.' They practise counting during their play and have many opportunities to develop their writing and mark-making skills. Many children spend lots of time outdoors in the fresh air, energetically using scooters, bats and balls.

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

The manager is committed to providing a 'stimulating and safe environment' where children can have fun before and after school. She says that the club is like 'one big family'. The manager leads with passion and determination.

Self-evaluation includes the views of children, parents and staff, and aids continual improvement of the club.Staff provide children with a variety of activities and experiences. They include topics which complement the learning that children have in school.

For example, a topic on 'space' is thoroughly enjoyed by children. They work together to make a shared piece of artwork depicting an astronaut. Staff make sure that children's interests are followed.

For example, children recently showed an interest in collecting and exploring leaves.Staff promote children's communication skills, engaging them in thoughtful conversations throughout the session. For example, during snack time, which is a social event, staff and children talk about a variety of topics, such as upcoming holidays.

Staff foster children's love of reading remarkably well. Children listen with interest to books and stories that older children read to them.Children learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others.

For example, they enjoy looking at a book about different celebrations. This leads on to discussions about festivals, such as Chinese New Year, and famous people. Children learn about people who can help them in the community.

Children are confident and well-mannered. They remember to say 'please' and 'thank you.' Children came to say goodbye to the inspector when it was home time.

They told the inspector that the best thing about the club is getting to know the children from other classes. Children made a poster which said that the club is 'the best in the world.' Care practices are good.

Children have special jobs, including setting and clearing the table, serving food, and getting outdoor equipment ready. Staff encourage children to help to tidy up. Children know to wash their hands before eating, so that they 'do not spread any germs.'

They eat a variety of healthy foods, including sandwiches, and a large selection of fruits and vegetables.Leaders have good links with the host school. This helps to ensure children's continuity of care and supports their emotional well-being.

Parents are very positive about the club. They commend staff for treating the children 'like their own' and for going 'above and beyond' in their support.Staff work in a close-knit team.

They are happy in their roles and say that they 'love working here.' The manager ensures that staff are trained to carry out their roles effectively. Staff say that the manager is supportive and has created a 'lovely place to work.'



Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The premises are safe and secure. The manager completes robust recruitment and vetting checks to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children.

Staff are up to date in their mandatory training, including safeguarding and paediatric first aid. They know how to keep children safe and protected from harm. The manager checks that staff retain this knowledge, for example, through safeguarding quizzes.

Staff understand the referral procedures to follow if there are concerns about children's welfare or the conduct of a colleague. They understand issues, such as grooming and witchcraft. Children learn how to stay safe outside of the club, such as during bonfire celebrations.

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