Southwell After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are eager to enter the club after their day at school. They have close bonds with the staff and they chat back and forth about their day at school and what they would like to do.

Children hang up their bags and coats, politely order the filling for their sandwich and wash their hands. They show a strong sense of belonging at this friendly club.Staff and children work together to agree rules for the club that detail the behaviour expectations for the group.

This helps children to understand what is expected of them, such as being kind and listening to adults. Children behave very well. For example, they listen care...fully when shown how to use the glue gun in order to keep themselves safe.

Children enjoy a wide range of creative activities and immerse themselves in their chosen task. Children make jewellery, carefully threading beads onto string with dexterity. Some children draw pictures, one child proudly showing his creation of the Siege of Troy.

Staff listen attentively as children describe the detail in their work. Staff praise the children, and they beam with pride. Staff showcase children's work on a display so that they can celebrate their hard work.

Children are confident in their skills and are happy to share their achievements.

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

The provider, who is also the club manager, is passionate about supporting staff to understand their roles and responsibilities. For example, she ensures that staff receive a detailed induction.

Staff have opportunities for regular face-to-face meetings. In addition, they attend mandatory training, such as first aid and food hygiene. The manager is keen to explore other professional development opportunities for staff to gain new ideas.

The small team works effectively together, and this helps them to provide strong continuity of care.The manager builds on staff strengths to benefit the children. For example, one of the staff members is a keen sewer and has used this to teach children new skills.

Another staff member enjoys team games and has used this skill to help children learn the rules of rounders and cricket. Children have a 'can-do' attitude and are keen to try new things.Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and are positive role models.

Children are polite as they say 'please' and 'thank you' and respectfully wait for their turn. Overall, they have good independent skills as they move around the setting, choosing what they would like to do. Staff recognise that there are further opportunities for children to do more to help set up activities and prepare food.

Partnerships with parents are good. Parents express how much their children enjoy attending the club and eagerly tell them about the activities they have enjoyed. Parents speak highly of the staff and appreciate the high-quality care their children receive.

They say that the club 'gives them peace of mind knowing that their children are safe and happy'.Partnerships with staff from the on-site schools are good. Information about children is shared daily between the club and the school staff during handover.

This helps new children settle quickly when they first attend because staff understand and respond to their needs.Staff encourage children to keep themselves safe. For example, when children move scissors from one area of the club to another, they are reminded how to hold these correctly.

Children walk carefully and ensure that they put the scissors in a safe place. They are shown how to cut fabric with sharp scissors. They know that they cannot use these scissors as 'they have a sharp blade and are to be used by adults only'.

Children receive encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle. Staff provide a good range of healthy snacks that the children declare are 'yummy'. They have opportunities to be energetic in the playground as they play ball games, or use the gym equipment.

In addition, they can find a quiet space to rest after a busy day at school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff know their roles and responsibilities to safeguard children and keep them safe.

They attend regular training to keep their knowledge up to date. Staff are confident in what action they should take if they have a concern about a child or in the event of an allegation against another member of staff. Established procedures are in place for the safe arrival and collection of children.

Staff know how to spot signs and symptoms of children who may be at risk of harm, such as radicalisation. Sound recruitment procedures ensure that staff are checked for their suitability to work with children. Risk assessments ensure that the premises are safe for children.

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