Smarty’s After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff take time to get to know all children who attend the club, and they build respectful relationships with them. From the beginning, staff work with parents to get to know their child. For example, they use registration forms to learn about what children like and their dietary needs.

Staff maintain ongoing communication with families and the host school which helps them to keep up to date with any changes in children's lives. Staff know the importance of being aware and supporting children if they have had a challenging day at school, and sharing this information with parents. There is a real buzz at the club as staff engage in ...conversations with children around their interests and what they are currently learning about.

Children are happy to choose what they would like to do and share their preferences with staff. Children are confident with the routines of the club, which means they feel safe and secure as they know what is going to happen next. Staff use fun techniques to remind children of the boundaries of the club.

For example, staff shout 'freeze' and all children laugh as they stop in their current position and listen to what the staff member is saying.

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

The manager and staff team model positive relationships with each other and have respectful conversations. For example, they welcome each other and discuss what has worked well for children this week and what they can provide differently for them each day.

This demonstrates a reflective team, which helps lead to better outcomes for all children.Children have access to a range of activities at the club and staff provide many options to meet children's preferences. They can develop their fine and gross motor skills.

For example, children use a range of tools in the play dough to develop their finger muscles, and they practise large movements in team games, such as table tennis.Staff provide children with a variety of well-balanced food choices, which include fruit. Children are independent as they use the bathroom and wash their hands before snack.

They line up to choose what they would like for snack, while patiently waiting their turn. They then take their plate to the table and sit with their friends. This helps to promote children's healthy lifestyles and social skills.

Children behave very well. Staff do not need to consistently support children to understand the rules and boundaries. For example, children know how to share their toys, wait their turn and how to behave during snack time.

Staff work closely with the host school and families to meet individual children's needs. Parents share they are happy with the club. Parents feel well informed of any changes at the club and they comment they have good relationships with the staff team.

Staff receive a thorough induction and they are confident to request training to support their individual professional development. The nominated individual monitors ongoing suitability through one-to-one meetings and provides training through staff team meetings and an online training platform. For instance, it is a priority for new staff to learn about the company's safeguarding procedures, especially around whistle-blowing.

As a result, staff are confident with what they need to do if they have a concern about a child or a member of staff.The manager undertakes routine risk assessments of the indoor and outdoor environment. Staff continue to monitor the safety of the club throughout each session.

For example, they move tables and activities depending on the space they need to keep children and adults safe.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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