St James Playcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy and eager to attend this warm and welcoming club. Children are eager to speak to staff about their day at school. Staff listen attentively and show an interest in what children say.

This helps children to feel valued. Staff work hard to ensure that there is a clear distinction for children between their day at school and the club. Children become quickly engaged and choose activities that they are interested in.

For example, children take on the role of a shopkeeper and a shopper as part of a role-play area set up as a supermarket. Other children discuss their feelings and emotions as part of a well-bein...g activity. Children are confident to ask staff for support and develop strong bonds with them.

They speak fondly of the club and the staff. Children feel safe and secure. Children behave well.

Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. They support children to learn right from wrong. Most children listen well to staff's instructions.

Staff provide children with gentle reminders as needed. They work hard to ensure that children feel valued. For example, staff show an interest in activities and events that children participate in outside of school and implement these in the club.

Children enjoy taking part in a dance activity. They are respectful of one another and of their environment. Children know the routines and work together to put toys away.

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

Staff know children in their care very well. They understand that children need enriched experiences. Staff understand and support children's differing needs.

Children have a strong voice in the club, and staff actively listen to their ideas. Their contributions are valued. For example, as part of the outdoor provision, children participated in a rugby tournament.

Staff support children effectively to learn about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. This includes discussions and activities focused on healthy eating. For example, children are able to identify a range of healthy foods.

They discuss the importance of having a balanced diet and eating fruit and vegetables. Children have plenty of opportunities to be physically active and are physically challenged. They enjoy playing traditional games, such as 'stuck in the mud'.

Children use tyres and planks to set up their assault courses.Staff develop effective partnerships with parents. Parents' comments are extremely positive.

They describe how much their children have developed in their communication and confidence. Parents comment how happy their children are attending the club. The provider communicates with parents well.

For example, the provider shares information via telephone calls, text messages, newsletters and daily discussions at the door.Staff develop effective partnerships with the school that the club serves. They work well together to ensure that children are kept safe when being collected and registered from school.

They are also supported well when escorting children to the club. Staff find out what children have learned at school and consider this information when providing activities at the club. They offer opportunities for children to complete homework provided by the school while attending the club.

Staff provide children with challenging activities. Most children show high levels of engagement. They enjoy role-play activities, such as making a visit to a 'supermarket'.

For example, as part of a role-play activity, children create their own shopping lists. Children attempt to write words. Staff encourage and support children well to help them to persevere with the task.

The manager has a good understanding of their team. Regular supervision sessions allow staff to improve their practice. They discuss ideas and concerns that they may have.

For example, the manager and staff have identified that staff would benefit from training relating to supporting children's behaviour following restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team work extremely well together. Staff report that they feel valued and they enjoy working at the club.

The manager ensures that staff keep all mandatory training up to date. For example, most staff have paediatric first-aid certificates, and there are plans in place for all staff to complete this training.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager ensures that all staff complete a robust induction and regular training. Staff know their roles and responsibilities to ensure that children are kept safe and protected from harm. They accurately describe the possible signs and symptoms of abuse.

Staff know how to report concerns and have a good knowledge of whistle-blowing arrangements. Policies are in place detailing information for staff to access. Staff supervise children well.

They maintain a secure environment for children. Staff have a robust induction process in place for children joining the club. They have clear procedures to manage allergies to ensure that children's needs are met.

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