St Marks Kidz Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The youngest children receive a warm welcome from staff when they are collected from the connecting school. They understand how to keep themselves safe and stay close to staff on the way to the after-school club.

Older children make their own way to the club and arrive happily, with self-assurance. They independently put their belongings down and settle into the familiar, relaxing routine after a busy school day. Children are pleased when their friends arrive; they ask them to join their chosen play.

They demonstrate strong relationships with one another and good behaviour. Children show they feel safe, secure and comforta...ble to make choices. They are confident to choose the play equipment and resources they would like to use.

Children have access to many varied toys and materials which ignites their interest and enjoyment. Older children choose to play chess. They work well together and celebrate their wins and those of others.

They show respect for one another and enjoy each other's company. Younger children gravitate to construction materials and become engrossed in creating buildings of interest. For example, models of the school grounds and are keen to share their vision with staff.

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

The manager of the after-school club is passionate and provides children with a range of exciting experiences. Children tell the inspector that the manager knows so many 'special days' and these are celebrated at the club. For example, Australia day.

On this day, they learned about koala bears and that they are the native animal for the country.The manager works closely with her small team to ensure that all children's needs are catered for. Together, they get to know the children and families well and make their time at the club memorable.

Parents communicate that their children receive high-quality care and love. They feel the transition for their children starting at the club was smooth.Senior leaders offer ongoing coaching to the manager and staff team.

Staff feel fully supported and share they are encouraged to complete professional development training. They feel that their health and well-being is also a top priority.Staff plan engaging and fun activities for all children to take part in.

Children talk positively about these experiences. For example, they completed a talent show and voted for their favourite talents.Children take pleasure in using the play resources available to them.

Some take part in craft activities, board games and quizzes. Children are thoroughly engaged and move seamlessly from one activity to the next. Children are keen to learn about pancake day and share their views on what pancake day means.

At times, children's ideas are not fully encouraged or valued which affects some children's self-esteem. Despite this, children continue to share their thoughts on how to make pancakes and take turns to add all the ingredients and mix in preparation for cooking.Children confidently make healthy eating choices when self-selecting their freshly prepared tea.

Staff are on hand to support the children with quantities. They promote good mathematical language as they ask the children how many pieces of fruit and vegetables they will be taking. Once the children have finished their food, they independently tidy their plate away.

Children behave extremely well. Staff set rules and boundaries, and these are fully understood and respected by children. Children show excitement as they develop good physical skills during a parachute activity.

They demonstrate good listening skills and ability to follow instructions. Staff support children's understanding of taking care of their bodies as they encourage children to have drinks after their physical exercise.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager is the designated lead for safeguarding and has support from one of the senior team who is the safeguarding lead for the organisation. Both demonstrate a secure knowledge of their safeguarding roles and child protection procedures to ensure children's safety. All staff receive relevant safeguarding training which is kept up to date.

Staff know how to identify signs that a child may be being exposed to harm and the procedure to follow to report their concerns. Staff understand how to address and follow up on any allegations made against adults working with children. Staff conduct daily risk assessments to ensure the premises are safe and secure for children.

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