Senlis Scallywags Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Scallywags is a happy and fun place to be. Children include visitors to the setting by saying, 'Welcome to our club,' as they invite them to play.

Children join in the activities available that are suited to their age and stage of learning. Older children enjoy playing pool together. Younger children find treasures hidden in the sand.

All children work cooperatively. For example, they sort jigsaw pieces and ask friends for help to complete the puzzle before they go home.Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks.

They are encouraged to try new foods and flavours. Staff listen to the views of children when they say t...hey do not like waffles and offer an alternative. Children are often asked for feedback to improve the provision.

Planned activities are based on this feedback and also on children's interests.Children behave well. Staff support them to sort out any difficulties or friendship issues that may arise.

Children are confident to talk to staff and ask for help if needed. Staff support children to work out problems and communicate their worries. They do this in a way the children feel comfortable with and by listening carefully.

Staff get to know the children well. They provide children with opportunities to be physically active in safe spaces, for example, playing football outdoors or sports on computer games. Children are able to make their own choices and voice their opinions.

This gives children ownership of the club and makes them feel valued.

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

Children show a positive attitude to trying new activities. Staff support them to learn new skills, such as playing chess.

Adults play alongside the children. They give them experiences that are linked to themes. For example, children look for bugs in autumn or make firework pictures for bonfire night.

This enables children to build on their experiences over time. Children are excited to return to these projects on different days.Children enjoy spending time playing outside with their friends.

They enjoy playing tag or spending time in the forest area or mud kitchen. Staff ensure the children are safe. They use hand-held radios if support is needed when they are away from the setting.

However, managers now need to consider additional procedures for staff when they work alone outside.Staff encourage children to be healthy and make good lifestyle choices. Children know to wash their hands before food and after using the toilet.

Children are independent and know the rules and routines of the setting, for example, removing your shoes indoors and putting the lids on pens.Children are able to use technology and play together on the computer. Time is limited and shared fairly among the children.

Staff use these opportunities to talk to children about staying safe online. They also discuss about the safe use of devices at home.Managers of the setting work together to improve the experience for children.

They regularly evaluate their practice and make improvements if needed. Managers communicate with the team and parents clearly. This ensures messages are passed on from school and notices are received.

Managers work with staff during supervisions to reduce workload. Well-being is also a high priority, meaning staff feel appreciated. The manager now needs to prioritise her own workload and consider how to reduce the paperwork she maintains.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Children speak fondly of their time in the club and their favourite people to spend time with. Staff give consideration to the activities children will benefit from most.

Staff support children to access the activities on offer so they are included. Staff work closely with the specialist unit within the school. This ensures communication and strategies to help children are consistent.

Parents speak highly of the setting and would recommend it to friends. They like the flexibility of attendance and how school clubs can also be accommodated. Parents report that their children really enjoy the craft activities, including when children recently made Halloween houses together.

They feel this is important because as parents do not have time to include this type of play at home. They report that it gives the children a contrast to the work they do in school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff understand and can recall the signs and symptoms of abuse. They understand when a child or family may be at risk from harm. Staff know how to record and report their concerns.

They know how to escalate concerns about staff, using the local authority for advice. Staff are aware of issues, including the 'Prevent' duty, grooming and county lines. They know what to look out for in children's behaviours and language.

Staff know how to challenge stereotypes and online concerns. The setting has a detailed safeguarding policy. Staff can apply the policy to scenarios.

Also at this postcode