St Helen’s After School and Holiday Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children very much enjoy their time at this well-organised and welcoming club. They receive caring attentive support from staff, who know children's needs and interests very well. Children have good relationships with all the staff at the club.

They chat with them about their day as they walk from the main school. Children are relaxed and happy upon their arrival. Some eagerly explore the interesting activities on offer while others confidently select other things they want to play with.

Children develop their sense of responsibility and independence very effectively. They take care of their belongings, making sure they ar...e tidy. They readily put on an apron when painting.

Managers, supervisors and staff show genuine interest in children. They value children's views and opinions. Children proudly undertake their playground monitor role, joining the manager on checking the outside areas.

They offer their ideas for mealtimes, helping to compile the club's weekly shopping list. This considerate involvement in club life significantly contributes to the very happy, calm atmosphere at the club. Children have a strong sense of belonging.

They have great respect for the staff team. They behave extremely well. They are polite and follow the club's rules and routines readily.

Older children kindly help the younger ones, offering them tips for their success with craft items, such as 'loom bands'.

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

The manager and supervisors provide the best experiences they can for children at the club. They work hard to evaluate all aspects, gaining the views of staff, parents and the children.

Staff consider children's needs carefully and constantly evaluate what could be done better. For example, they have enhanced the pick up arrangements for the reception children, to provide a calmer transition for them as they move from school to the club.Staff deploy themselves thoughtfully and closely supervise the children.

They consistently check the numbers of children as they move between environments. Staff use walkie-talkies to keep in contact with each other across the site. They work as an effective team, quickly meeting children's needs, such as when a child has a tumble on the playground.

The manager calmly and caringly supports the children, implementing their clear first-aid procedures. Children soon feel better and are happy to go off and play again.Staff ensure children's physical and mental well-being remains high while at the club.

They organise snack times very thoughtfully, re-setting the table with plenty of additional items for children that arrive later from school clubs. Children very much appreciate this, and happily chat with their friends and staff as they enjoy the healthy items provided. Supervisors ensure they communicate clearly with the staff team on any dietary requirements for the children, so they can keep children healthy and safe.

Children are busy, well engaged and enjoy the creative opportunities as the club. Staff link to children's interests and get ideas for new resources, constantly ensuring children have lots to inspire and stimulate them. Children spend considerable time experimenting with different materials and techniques.

They paint and draw, and colour pictures. They build structures with construction bricks and create intricate designs with loom bands.Outside, children relish the large open spaces.

They play imaginatively with their friends and have fun using the equipment. Staff thoughtfully join children in their exploration, offering encouragement and praise as children take on challenges and practise new skills. Children try hard at bat and ball games, they climb and build, and are proud of their achievements.

The manager promotes close partnership working. There are good links with the host school, to ensure consistency for children as well as safety and best use of the areas available. Staff liaise with parents right from the start, getting lots of information on children's needs.

They keep parents well informed about all aspects of club practice. Parents are very positive about the club. They say staff are excellent and do a great job, and that they would be lost without them.

The owner and manager have undertaken training to help them lead staff recruitment appropriately. They work closely with the club's supervisors to provide staff with a thorough induction, and ongoing supervision and support. They conscientiously review and enhance their procedures and processes and ensure these are robustly followed and implemented.

Safeguarding is focused upon closely, and staff undertake annual training to refresh and maintain their knowledge.

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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