St Augustine’s After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are very happy, relaxed and at home in this welcoming and well-organised after-school club. All children settle quickly. They share very secure relationships with their key person and other staff.

Staff are very caring and attentive to children's needs. They greet children warmly and listen carefully as they share their news. Children are motivated and very eager to engage fully in a wide range of stimulating and age-appropriate activities which reflect their interests.

They are confident speakers and are eager to talk about which activities they enjoy most at the club. Children are encouraged to share their ideas... for the club. For example, they thoroughly enjoy mixing the ingredients to make play dough, an activity suggested by them.

Activities complement what children have been learning in school. For example, they excitedly talked about the Christmas decorations they had been making in school, using recyclable materials. The club extends children's interest through discussions and activities.

For example, they learn to care for the environment and the importance of not wasting water and paper. Children enjoy regular outdoor play during the spring and summer seasons. They enjoy physical play, such as climbing large apparatus.

However, staff do not make the same opportunities available when it is wet and cold.

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

Staff promote positive relationships with parents. Daily verbal communication provides a two-way flow of information about children's needs and interests.

A well-maintained notice board provides parents with information about club activities. Parents comment that their children love attending and that the staff are friendly, caring and supportive. The staff share strong links with school.

Regular discussions and emails support good communication and continuity of care.Children behave very well and clearly understand the club's rules and routines. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and interact well with them.

Staff offer lots of praise and encouragement. Children proudly show how many stickers for good behaviour they have on the chart. They develop respect for others in this inclusive setting.

Children learn about different celebrations and languages. For example, they proudly say some words in Spanish and listen to each other's news and views during snack time. Children form close relationships with each other.

Older children are supportive and helpful with younger children.Staff meet children's care and welfare needs well. They help children develop an understanding of the importance of good personal care.

Children manage their personal care needs independently and follow good hygiene routines. They enjoy healthy snacks and drinks, which are very carefully planned and prepared to meet their individual dietary needs. Children have opportunities to relax.

For example, they enjoy snuggling up on the cushions to look at books.Staff have a good understanding of the early years foundation stage requirements. They provide a high-quality, fun, safe and stimulating environment for children.

A carefully planned programme of activities and resources meets the needs of all the children attending effectively.The enthusiastic and dedicated staff receive regular supervision and support from the professional manager. They regularly meet to discuss and plan activities for children, reflect on their service and ensure they are managing workloads effectively.

For example, following evaluation, they have recently purchased new equipment and furniture to meet the needs of the younger children. Staff regularly seek the views of parents and children, and take these into account when planning activities. They recognise that there is scope to build further on opportunities for physical play.

Regular opportunities for professional development help to develop staff's practice, make continuous improvements and enhance their knowledge.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a good understanding of how to identify possible signs of children who may be at risk of abuse.

They understand their responsibilities regarding recording and reporting concerns about children's welfare. They have a secure understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as identifying the signs of when children may be drawn into radicalisation. They complete safeguarding training to keep their knowledge up to date.

There is a comprehensive range of policies and procedures which are implemented in practice effectively. These include, for example, the use of mobile phones and fire safety procedures. Children are well supervised by staff, who provide a secure environment for them to play.

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