St Claire’s At Mudeford Infants

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy their time at the friendly and welcoming club. Staff collect them safely from their classrooms and they arrive with enthusiasm.

Children play alongside friends and have access to a suitable range of games and resources. They benefit from being able to relax and spend long periods of time at activities of their choice. The environment is organised well.

Children have many good opportunities to read, count, use numbers and make calculations.Children of all ages play in harmony. They are well mannered and naturally show care and consideration for others.

Staff use praise and encouragement to support th...is positive behaviour. They are effective key persons who establish strong bonds with children. Children are excited to see their key person and to spend time with them.

For instance, they seek out staff to show off their paintings and delight in listening to stories that staff read to them. Children feel respected and valued. They demonstrate that they know what is expected of them.

For example, they ask permission to leave the playroom in order to use the nearby toilets. When challenging behaviour does arise staff use positive strategies, with the support of parents and school staff, to address it effectively.

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

Parents comment on the strong partnerships they have with staff.

They discuss the high level of care their children receive and report that children really enjoy attending. Staff have established strong links with the host school. For instance, staff talk to teachers and relay messages as required when taking and collecting children from school.

This supports continuity in children's care and learning between school and the club.Staff pride themselves in being fully inclusive. They ensure that children's dietary and medical requirements are considered when using food during activities.

Staff discuss the importance of working with children and families to ensure that the club adapts to meet the needs of all children, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This means all children can take part and feel valued.Children take part in creative activities involving paint and various tools.

However, at times, children's experience is limited as staff do not sit with them to extend their language skills, thoughts and ideas even further.Children play energetically and benefit from plenty of physical exercise. They select a range of healthy snacks and have continuous access to fresh drinking water.

Staff place much focus on helping children to develop their independence. They encourage children to have a go themselves at first, which supports a can-do attitude. As a result, children are confident in self-care routines.

Staff ensure that children always remain within their sight and hearing, so that they can supervise them effectively at all times. For example, when escorting children to the toilets, staff check they have all children with them when they return to the playroom. Very occasionally, school staff enter the playroom where children play.

Staff are vigilant and this does not disrupt activities.Staff receive good support from the start. They complete induction and mandatory training to improve their personal effectiveness.

Arrangements for supervision are effective and the leadership team encourages staff to further their professional development through additional training and yearly appraisals.The leadership team reflects well on the quality of the club, to ensure weak practices are identified and prompt action is taken to make improvements. Alongside parents and staff, children are actively involved in the decision-making process of the club.

For instance, staff consult regularly with children to share ideas and make suggestions about activities. This helps the leadership team to gain a clear view of what works well and what needs to change.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have a good knowledge of how to keep children safe. They use regular safeguarding training to keep their knowledge updated. Staff are confident in the signs and indicators that may mean a child is at risk.

They discuss the steps to take to report safeguarding concerns to the relevant agencies confidently. Effective recruitment procedures are in place and all staff have appropriate checks to ensure they are safe to work with children. Risk assessments are conducted regularly to ensure that children are playing in a safe and secure environment.

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