St James PALS

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this welcoming and well-organised club.

Staff greet children as they arrive. They talk to them about their day at school as they settle in. Children form strong relationships with the supportive staff.

This helps them to feel safe and secure. Leaders and staff work closely with teachers at the on-site school. For example, staff communicate daily with teaching staff to help ensure that children's needs are met.

The club offers activities based on topics that children are enjoying at school. Children have recently enjoyed learning about space. As such, staff have prepared craf...t activities linked to this topic.

Children are eager to engage and they concentrate well. Staff support children's learning. For example, they encourage children's counting skills as they play games such as hide and seek.

Children make independent choices at the club. For example, they choose from a variety of foods at snack time. Staff have recently changed the routines to give children more independence.

For example, children take responsibility for clearing plates from the tables. Children have a tremendous time playing in the large outdoor area. Older children consider their younger friends.

They pass the ball to them and encourage them to join in with the games. Children are well behaved and show kindness to each other.

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

Leaders and staff welcome children's ideas as they plan the provision.

For instance, children sometimes vote to choose activities. This helps children to feel listened to and they have a sense of ownership in the club.Partnership working is a strength.

Leaders have formed effective communication with the headteacher and teaching staff. For example, staff follow the same behaviour scheme as the school. Children benefit from this consistent approach.

Staff have high expectations for good behaviour and older children are good role models for younger children. This helps children to feel settled and secure.Staff spend time getting to know children well and offer them lots of encouragement in their play.

This supports children's emotional well-being. Staff encourage older children to buddy up with younger children during activities. Consequently, children are very happy and have a positive experience at the club.

Staff support children to have a healthy lifestyle. For example, children are encouraged to choose their snack from a choice of healthy options. Staff talk to children about foods that are good for them.

This helps children to develop an awareness of healthy lifestyles. In addition, staff are fully aware of how to manage children's allergies and dietary needs. This helps to keep children safe.

The partnership work with the school enables the club to benefit from use of the large outdoor area. Children have opportunity to climb, run, slide and explore. In addition, staff provide activities such as laser games and inflatable obstacle courses.

These sessions help children to benefit from lots of physical exercise, which contributes to their good health.Leaders and staff keep all mandatory training up to date. For instance, staff hold current paediatric first-aid certificates.

They also complete food hygiene training. This helps to keep children safe. In addition, staff are encouraged to consistently build their knowledge.

For example, staff access regular online training. Staff say they feel well supported and that regular training helps them to feel motivated at work. This has a positive impact on children's experiences at the club.

Parents are positive about the club. They say their children look forward to their sessions and are eager to attend. Parents also praise staff for being extremely supportive and kind.

Staff are sensitive to children's needs and provide a range of suitable activities to support each child. For instance, children can choose from group activities, such as physical play, or they can take part in quieter activities. This helps to meet all children's individual needs and preferences.

As a result, children are engaged and thoroughly enjoy their time at the club.

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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