Set Your Sights

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy at this welcoming and stimulating club. They are greeted warmly by name by staff who know them well. Children feel safe and secure as staff consistently implement well-rehearsed routines and rules.

Children start the session by volunteering to remind their friends of the simple rhyme that they use to remember these rules. Staff are genuinely interested in the children and their day. The manager swaps information with the children's class teachers as they arrive.

Children benefit from a joined-up approach to their care as any plans for children are shared with parents and important information for parents... is communicated.Staff set out a stimulating variety of activities before children arrive. Children can choose from these activities or request any of the other resources available.

Children immediately settle to their play and are supported by staff who are willing playmates. They encourage children to express their own creativity and play cooperatively. For example, during drama sessions, children develop stories and work together to act out their ideas.

Staff ensure that space is provided for children who prefer some quiet time after school. Staff are excellent role models for the children. Children of all ages learn to play alongside each other.

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

Since the last inspection, leaders and managers have taken concerted action to improve the club. They have reviewed staffing arrangements and improved guidance and supervision for staff. Consequently, staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities.

They are deployed effectively to ensure the safety, care and supervision of children. The manager regularly monitors the effectiveness of staff deployment. Excellent communication between staff throughout the session fosters high levels of well-being for both children and staff.

Leaders and managers have reviewed snack time for children. A nominated member of staff now ensures that the snack table is cleaned and food is prepared before children arrive. She checks the daily register to ensure that she meets the needs of any children who have specific dietary requirements.

Children take it in turns to have a healthy snack. They develop their awareness of how to keep themselves healthy as staff gently remind them of good hygiene routines. Children select from a range of healthy foods on offer, and water is available at all times.

Staff sit with them while they eat to reinforce expected behaviours and chat with them about their day.Children benefit from lots of opportunities to explore their own creativity. Staff set out a creative activity with a wide range of materials.

They discuss with children what they plan to make and how. Children develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem as their opinions and ideas are valued. Children are friendly and welcoming to visitors.

They say that they like to come to the club.Leaders and managers use a range of strategies to engage with parents. They publish regular newsletters and welcome feedback and suggestions from parents.

Staff encourage the parents of new children to spend time in the setting with their children to help them settle. Staff share information with parents at drop-off and collection times, including information for the school. However, leaders and managers have not yet fully explored how to represent and celebrate the rich diversity of children attending the club.

Leaders and managers work closely with the host school to maintain exceptional relationships. The headteacher of the school comments on the club's commitment to joint working. He recognises the significant improvements staff have made since the last inspection and sees the club as an asset to the school community.

Plans and strategies to support children who need additional help to thrive are shared. All children are able to access and take advantage of the club's activities.The club has use of both the school hall and the outdoor play area.

Children have regular access to physical activity, both indoors and outside. This enhances the opportunities available and promotes children's physical and emotional well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff display a good understanding of the signs that might indicate that a child is at risk of harm. They have recently undertaken safeguarding training provided by local safeguarding partners. This has helped to cement their knowledge about wider safeguarding issues, such as county lines.

Leaders and managers have regular meetings with the safeguarding leads from the host school. They discuss the children together to ensure that children benefit from a joined-up approach to safeguarding. Staff confidently describe how to escalate a concern if a member of staff harms, or fails to protect, a child.

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