Simply Kids

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happy to attend and enjoy their time at the after-school club.

The children are pupils from three local schools and attend a mixture of sessions, including breakfast club, after school and during the holidays. However, they mix well together and form strong friendships with their peers and the staff. The club promotes a culture of inclusion where children learn about other cultures and religions.

Children develop an understanding of showing respect and learn to celebrate differences within their local community. Children and staff laugh together as they participate in a wide range of activities which ignite... their imaginations. For example, children demonstrate their creativity as they design and make 'cup monster' puppets and model with the dough.

Children confidently make choices in their play. They chat to staff about their day and share their news with the group. Staff join in conversations and ask questions about their interests.

Children read out daily affirmations together, which supports their positive approach towards their play and attitudes. The staff have high expectations and role model expected behaviour effectively. Children use good manners and behave well.

Children understand the club rules and are kind to their friends. Older children mix with their younger peers and include them in activities.

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

Partnership working with the host school, other schools children attend, and parents is effective.

Information is shared to provide continuity of care, supporting transition times and the health needs for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The club is working with the host school to provide workshops for parents on managing behaviour and mental health.Staff provide regular opportunities for children to be physically active and increase their understanding of healthy lifestyles.

Children enjoy playing team games, they practise their football and basketball skills and celebrate scoring goals. Children enjoy the challenge of the trim trail and use the equipment safely. Staff provide nutritional meals and encourage children to drink water.

Children follow good hygiene practices.The manager and staff are dedicated to their roles and provide high-quality care. They plan a broad range of activities and include children's interest and ideas.

This ensures they keep children motivated and promotes a positive attitude to their play. Children comment that they are asked for their views and feel they are listened to. However, during mealtimes the noise levels are high, which limits children from hearing conversations.

Parents speak highly of the club and comment that their children feel safe and enjoy attending. They share their views regarding the manager and the staff team. Parents state that staff are reliable, friendly, and caring towards their children.

Staff communicate well with parents at the end of the day about their children's time at the club. The club engages with community groups and arranges activities, such as football club for dads. They also organise charity events to support disadvantaged families.

Children demonstrate high levels of confidence and independence. They complete tasks for themselves and clear up after they have eaten. Children confidently ask for resources and listen well when they are reminded about the club rules.

Children understand the need to walk inside and manage risk for themselves when they use the apparatus. Talking about feelings helps children to reflect on their behaviour.Staff engage well with the children.

They observe them participating in activities and join in their play when invited. They encourage communication and increase their thinking and ideas. For example, staff join children playing instruments, they demonstrate a beat and children copy what they can hear, extending their listening skills.

Children respond well to praise.The manager and staff regularly review their service to help them make further improvements. They evaluate activities and seek views from the children.

However, parents are not consistently asked for their feedback. All staff have access to further training and build on their knowledge. Staff are supported well by the manager and regular appraisals provide positive feedback to help them develop as professionals.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager implements a safer recruitment procedure and ensures all staff are suitable to work with children. All staff have completed safeguarding training, including the 'Prevent' duty.

They can recognise the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm or abuse and know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. Staff ensure the environment is safe for children, they use risk assessments and ensure children are supervised effectively. Staff teach children about road safety and hold discussions with children about online safety and keeping themselves safe.

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