Simply-Play@St Mary’s After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are collected from their classrooms at the end of the day by staff at the club. This provides opportunities to share information to support children's well-being.

Children arrive visibly happy and are warmly welcomed by staff on arrival. Children know the routine well, they take responsibility for their belongings and wash their hands to promote good hygiene routines. Children listen well while the register is taken and demonstrate positive behaviour.

Children enjoy the wide range of activities on offer and play well with their peers. Outside, children practise their physical skills as they play football and score... hoops in the basketball net. Children give their friends encouragement and praise.

Older children support their younger peers. Children extend their imaginations as they pretend the floor is lava and become superheroes with different 'superpowers'. Staff engage children in conversations and extend their thinking and ideas further.

Children behave well. They show respect and use good manners. The club embeds a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Staff teach children about similarities and differences and what makes them unique. Children share equipment and take turns. Staff provide gentle reminders when needed.

Children respond in a timely manner and adjust their behaviour accordingly to follow the rules.

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

The manager has a good overview of the club and supports staff well. Staff regularly reflect on their practice to make further improvements.

Parents views are sought and suggested changes regarding healthier snacks have been implemented. The club's previous recommendations have been addressed. For example, changes have been made to provide a cosy area with soft furnishings for children to relax in.

The club has developed strong partnership with parents. Staff collect detailed information when children first start, which helps them to ensure that children's needs are met. Parents speak highly of the staff team.

They state that their children enjoy attending and engage in a wide range of activities. Communication is good and parents feel that they are kept updated on their children's well-being and activities.The manager and staff promote an inclusive environment.

They know children well and are sensitive to their needs. Staff are supportive to all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff include children in activities and help them to have a sense of belonging.

The manager works in partnership well with the host school to support children's changing needs.Children share their views of their after-school club with the inspector. They feel safe and secure and state the staff are kind and caring.

Children talk about the various activities they enjoy, alongside playing with their friends. They enjoy the variety of healthy snacks. Although children make choices, they state the activities are often chosen for them and they would like to be more involved in making decisions.

Children show positive attitudes to their learning. They engage in activities with their peers. Staff join children as they play and use conversations to extend their learning and understanding of the wider world.

For example, children enjoy colouring and craft activities linked to Martin Luther King Day, Chinese New Year and Burns Night. This helps to increase children's understanding of other cultures.Staff support children to learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles.

Children choose different fillings to make sandwiches for snack. Staff talk to children about a balanced diet, which includes adding fruit and vegetables. Children regularly play outside and increase their balance and coordination.

Children enjoy copying dance routines on computer games but understand the importance of limiting screen time.The manager and leader ensure that robust recruitment procedures are in place. All new staff provide references and have suitability checks to make sure that they are safe to work with children.

Induction procedures support staff to understand their roles and responsibilities. Staff have regular supervision sessions and complete training to increase their knowledge and skills further.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager and staff complete daily checks to ensure that the environment is hazard free and safe for children to play. Staff use opportunities to talk to children about keeping themselves safe, including activities like road safety week and online safety. The manager and staff have completed safeguarding training, including about the 'Prevent' duty.

They recognise the potential signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk of harm or abuse. The club has procedures in place for staff to follow if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. Staff supervise children and maintain ratios to ensure children's safety.

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