St Augustines

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happy, hanging up their coats and organising their own belongings. Older and younger children settle quickly, making decisions about if they would like to have a snack and a drink or immediately engage in play. Children observe the resources that are on display, and they talk to one another about their decisions.

Staff invite children to participate in a planned activity to make a biscuit that could resemble an astronaut, a rocket or a planet. Children choose between playing games in two's, larger groups or alone. This helps children to become independent and develop relationships with their peers.

Staff ta...ke every opportunity to engage with the children, and they talk to them about their day in school as they arrive. As children show an interest in books in a cosy corner, staff approach and offer to read to them. Children accept with delight and really enjoy listening to a story about a superhero.

Staff praise children who are wearing a sticker they have achieved in school. This supports them to feel proud of themselves. Staff promote interactions and communication between the children.

They mirror arrangements of the host school for older children to support younger children, which is known as 'prayer buddies'. This supports the younger children to be confident in their surroundings and access reassurance as and when they need it. This, in turn, also enables the older children to take on responsibility and learn to care for others.

Young children are kind to one another. For example, when they wish to join a peer in their play, they politely say, 'May I come and play with you' before joining in.

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

The manager guides the staff team to ensure the children are safe.

The deputy manager and the playworker have a good knowledge of their responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children. Together, the staff team ensures that the environment is safe and all risks are minimised. For example, children are prevented from accessing the club kitchen.

Staff recruitment is robust; references are sought from previous employers and all required checks are completed.The manager and the small staff team work well together. They are all very hands on and interact frequently with the children, supporting their learning and fun.

The children enjoy their time in the club and many are not ready to leave as their parents arrive.Staff plan activities that they know the children will enjoy. They also request parents' opinions when purchasing new resources.

Older children play games that relate to the club's current topic about space and answer general knowledge questions that really challenge their thinking. This creates lots of fun and laughter as they become very competitive.Children benefit from spending time outdoors in the large outdoor area.

They have opportunities to participate in team games, using a range of equipment, such as balls. Staff plan the club sessions well in the winter months to make the most of the limited light. Children choose to be outdoors as frequently as possible.

They really value the space to run around, following a day in school.Partnership working with the host school is very effective. The manager takes time each day to discuss the needs of the younger children on arrival at the club with their class teacher.

Staff understand their role in complimenting the school curriculum in the club. Activities are organised to support individual children's interests and overall development.Children who attend the club also have opportunities to attend extracurricular activities that are provided by the host school.

Some children attend gymnastics and revision clubs. Secure arrangements are in place for the transition from one of these sessions into the club. This means that children whose parents require wraparound care have equal access to these extracurricular activities.

Parents are satisfied with the service they receive. They say that their children are keen to attend the club and even get out of bed more swiftly on the days they attend the breakfast club. Parents appreciate that their children are safe as the security measures in place are always adhered to.

For example, parents say that staff always escort children to the door on collection, and the door is then closed by staff to prevent an other children exiting.

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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