St Brigids Catholic School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children show a real sense of belonging, have close relationships with staff and are safe. They have the freedom to explore, discover and choose activities that best suit their interests. For example, some children are keen to sew and create England flags, while others prefer to be outdoors and practise their racquet skills with staff.

Children are confident and share their ideas by posting them into the suggestion box, and directly talking to staff. Their suggestions are valued and included in the planning of activities. Consequently, children enjoy what is on offer.

Children behave well and are confident to engage in pla...y. The 'pet protection' activities are popular with children. They gently clean the turtle with a toothbrush to remove the algae and know they must wet their hands before handling the African land snail.

Children thoroughly enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air and staff indulge their interests. For example, children love dressing up and playing their imaginary games, and staff build on their ideas well. Children have plenty of opportunities to socialise and be with their friends.

They know the routine well and children eagerly take on extra responsibility. For example, children help set up the tables and give out the plates and cups in preparation for snack.

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

The extremely strong partnership with the on-site school is key to the success of the club.

Systems to share detailed information about children and their families to help support their welfare are strong. This results in those families most in need, benefiting from their children attending the breakfast sessions. Some of the staff also work at the school and daily share information with teachers about children's care and emotional needs.

This helps support children's smooth, daily transition from the school to the club.There are effective systems in place to regularly consult with parents and for them to share their views about the club. The manager gathers parents' opinions, analyses these and acts upon them to help further develop the service provided.

Each child and their parents also benefit from an annual consultation with the manager, and staff. Parents report they are extremely happy with what is on offer and the quality of information they receive, such as the informative newsletters.Supporting children's personal development is given a high regard.

All children, including the youngest, are confident in this inclusive environment. Staff use a range of strategies to help children to take on extra responsibility and develop ownership for the club. Children take on roles in which they are responsible for a particular area.

For example, an 'expert' who checks the areas are safe and an 'art expert' who checks there are sufficient art supplies, and offers ideas to children.Staff celebrate the uniqueness of each child and work closely with parents to find out about their cultures and celebrations. This information is used extremely well to plan activities to help children learn about their own and others customs.

For example, children learn about the food, music and traditions in Lithuania, Estonia, Kenya and Iraq.Staff place a high priority on ensuring children benefit from being physically active. Children spend much of their time outdoors in the fresh air.

They benefit from a range of fruits and a substantial afternoon snack. Staff encourage children to make healthy choices and talk about the importance of limiting high sugar foods in their diet and good oral hygiene.The manager has a clear overview of the club.

There are robust systems in place to monitor staff performance and they benefit from ongoing guidance and training. Staff speak highly of the support they receive.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

There are robust systems in place to ensure all staff are suitably vetted and inducted, and their ongoing suitability assessed. All staff have a secure knowledge of the signs of abuse and the procedure to follow if they are concerned. The manager works closely with the school to identify any children at risk or in need of early help and support.

There are effective risk assessments in place to remove and minimise any risks identified. The manager has completed a recent survey to identify how many children use social media. This has led to staff working closely with children on how to keep themselves safe online.

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