Smiles Manorfield

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy their time at the club.

They have a secure and stimulating space to unwind in after their day at school. Children of different ages enjoy playing games and completing crafts together. The youngest children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well, and are fully included in all activities.

Children confidently chat to staff, the inspector and each other about their day at school and are happy to share their experiences. The familiar, caring, staff have built trusting relationships with the children. This helps to nurture children's sense of belonging.

Children r...eadily make choices, such as whether they want to play inside or outside, and have immense fun. They have opportunities to develop their physical skills and coordination. An example of this is when they negotiate space and obstacles as they throw sponge balls at staff who are wearing 'sticky' vests.

Children work as a team, for example, when the frisbee gets stuck in the tree. They call on their friends to throw the balls to knock the frisbee out. They support each other as they give each other advice on technique and provide encouragement as they say 'Try again'.

Children behave well. Staff are positive role models and are skilful at redirecting the children to activities when they become a little over excited and the noise level begins to rise. Children have high levels of self-esteem, are self-assured and have respect for others.

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

Staff ensure that materials for craft activities are available throughout the club and children are free to explore these materials independently. For example, children have fun designing outfits for the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Children talk about the sports they like and ones that they are not so good at.

They show respect and tolerance as they value each other's opinions.Partnerships with parents are good and parents speak highly of the club and the staff. Parents are informed about their children's time in the club and they know who to speak to if they have questions or concerns.

In addition, the relationship with the host school is strong. Staff exchange information and relay messages from teachers and parents to help with communication and consistency.Information is collected about children before they start.

This enables staff to effectively support new children to become familiar with the setting, which allows them to settle quickly. The key-person system is well established and helps children to build a sense of belonging. Staff know the children well and support their individual needs, comforting them when needed.

The manager has an accurate overview of the club and she wishes to continue to build on the opportunities they provide children. For example, she discusses that snack time has changed since the club has returned following the COVID-19 pandemic. Children have not yet returned to preparing and self-serving their own snack as they did.

The manager recognises this has some restriction to the promotion of children's independence skills and has plans to return to pre-pandemic procedures shortly.Staff benefit from regular meetings and supervision. This provides opportunities to discuss any issues and share good practice.

The manager has a good understanding of staff's professional development. Staff complete regular training, such as safeguarding, first aid and food hygiene. Staff work well together.

They comment on how they feel supported by the manager and provider.Risk assessments are completed regularly and, before accessing the outdoors, the gates are checked to ensure that they are secure. Staff are deployed well to ensure good levels of supervision and support for all children.

These practices help to maintain a safe and secure environment to keep everyone safe.Children are provided with healthy snacks and meals. They show a good understanding of managing their self-care and demonstrate good hygiene practices.

They independently use the toilet and wash their hands before sitting and eating.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and neglect.

They know the procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child in their care or the professional conduct of a colleague. All staff attend mandatory safeguarding training and keep up to date with changes in legislation and policy. There are safe recruitment procedures in place to ensure the suitability of staff who work with the children.

Staff are deployed well to ensure good levels of supervision and support for all children. Staff are trained in paediatric first aid and keep this up to date. They record children's accidents and share these promptly with parents.

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