St Andrews Kids Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children eagerly arrive from their classrooms and excitedly tell staff about their school day.

They have space to learn, play and build friendships in an interesting and stimulating environment. Staff listen attentively to children and involve them in the decision-making about the activities provided. Children give their suggestions about purchasing new resources and their requests are met when possible.

Staff show a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. Children listen to instructions and respond appropriately to clear guidance. They share, take turns and involve others in their games.

For example..., they use a timer to take turns with technology to ensure a limited screen time. Children know some of the risks of being online and talk about how the club helps to keep them safe. Children remain focused for long periods of time and are highly engaged in their play.

Staff speak to children about what they are doing, ask questions and encourage them to extend and develop their learning. For example, children enjoy making puppets of the Loch Ness Monster for their St Andrew's Day celebrations. This leads to a debate about whether the Loch Ness Monster exists.

Staff value all children's ideas and opinions. Children develop small physical skills as they cut their puppets out using scissors with increasing skill.

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

The manager continually reflects on the provision to identify areas that may need some improvement.

For example, she considers the need for more physical games in the hall due to the dark nights and cold weather. The qualified and experienced staff team benefits from professional development opportunities to strengthen its skills and improve children's experiences. However, staff do not always have time to reflect on how their new knowledge and skills have had a positive impact on raising the good practice.

Children show independence at the club as they help with daily activities, such as setting the table, preparing snacks and helping younger children with washing their hands. However, staff have not fully considered how get children more involved when preparing creative activities.Staff plan a stimulating and inviting play environment.

They have access to many areas that support children's play, including the school hall, quiet room and playground. All areas are used effectively. For example, children are keen to practise their drawing and writing at the table in the quiet area.

They have space where they can concentrate and relax. Staff who work at the club also work at the host school. This provides continuity of care and ongoing support for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Staff know children well. They are friendly and caring and they speak to the children respectfully. Children build positive relationships with staff and benefit from the effective key-person system in place.

Staff give clear messages to all children about healthy eating. They provide snacks of fresh fruit and vegetables and encourage children to eat these before helping themselves to a biscuit. Children enjoy physical activities such as hula hooping, football and playing skittles.

Staff hold current paediatric first-aid certificates and have completed recent training to refresh their knowledge of safeguarding issues. Staff deploy themselves well and are vigilant when supervising children. They set clear rules and boundaries that help children to keep themselves and others safe.

There are a range of policies and procedures to help the manager and staff organise and run the club effectively.Parents comment that their children love attending the club. Children demonstrate this as sometimes they do not want to leave when their parents arrive early to collect them.

Relationships between the host school and the club are excellent. Information-sharing is detailed and precise.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager ensures staff have a clear understanding of safeguarding issues and how to respond to concerns about a child's welfare. Staff know how to identify the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and how to report their concerns. All staff attend regular training, as well as meetings, to ensure that their safeguarding knowledge is up to date.

The manager implements robust recruitment and vetting procedures. This helps to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. A thorough induction process ensures that new staff are aware of their role within the club.

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