St Paul’s Funclub

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have a lot of fun in the club.

Staff provide a wide range of activities for them to choose from. They are fun and friendly and join in children's play. They encourage children who are less confident to try out new activities, which helps to broaden their experiences.

Children enjoy dressing up, showing increasing independence when staff show them how to manage the fastenings on the outfits. They develop their creativity when staff encourage them to experiment with new techniques during a craft activity. Children concentrate well and show pride in their work.

For example, they insist on adding 'finishing t...ouches' to pictures they have made, to get them just right.Staff encourage children to consider one another. Older children work as a 'buddy' to younger children, helping them to learn routines and to feel more confident in the group.

Children show a good understanding of the club rules, which they have helped to create. Staff consistently remind children of these, supporting their good behaviour very well. Staff are deployed well and are vigilant.

There are clear procedures to ensure that children are well supervised, for example, when moving between indoor and outdoor spaces. This helps to assure children's safety.

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

Staff help children to learn about ways to keep themselves safe and healthy.

For example, children show good knowledge about sun safety. They check the UV index rating for the day and talk about how they may need hats and sunscreen. Staff support children to behave in a safe manner, for example, by reminding them to stay at the table when eating or when using scissors.

Children have a strong voice in the club. Staff consult with them at every level and involve them in decisions, such as what will be on the menu and which activities they will provide. They help children to understand what it means to be a good citizen.

For example, children learn about democracy when they lead and run their own planning 'council' for the club.Parents speak highly of the club and it's staff. They value the information that staff provide about club activities.

They feel very welcome and say staff always have time to talk to them about how their child has been. They praise the wide range of activities for children, particularly the opportunities children have to be as active as they need to, or to relax in a quiet space.Staff work closely with staff in the school that the children attend.

This helps them to provide consistent messages to children about positive attitudes and behaviour. For example, their shared, high expectations teach children about respect. They learn to take good care of their space and resources and to protect the environment.

Children learn about diversity, both within the club and the wider world. Staff involve them in activities that teach them about a range of cultures, traditions and celebrations. Children record what they learned in a scrap book, for example when they designed prayer mats for Eid Ul-Fitr and flags for St.

George's day. They share the book with adults, showing how they remember what they have learned.Staff think carefully about ways to complement children's learning experiences in school.

They help children to further develop their handwriting skills, for example, when they design their own passports. They take part in pretend play with children, such as playing hairdressers and hospitals. This helps children to develop their imagination and creativity.

Leaders and staff are committed to ongoing improvement. They welcome support from outside professionals to help them to build on their practice. This, alongside managers' own observations, leads to well-informed development plans for staff, which help to improve children's skills and experiences.

For example, staff attend training to help them to support children's thinking and problem-solving skills.Well-organised induction procedures help new staff to develop confidence quickly. Ongoing supervision arrangements are very supportive and staff feel valued and happy in their role.

Morale is high. This contributes to the fun, positive atmosphere in the club.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff aim to create a culture where children feel safe and protected and able to voice any worries or concerns they have. They get to know children and families well, which helps them to quickly identify any changes that could indicate that they need support. Leaders are sensitive to current issues, for example, around the cost of living, and signpost families, who may be struggling, to services that can help.

This helps to protect children's well-being. Staff know the signs that can indicate that a child may be suffering from harm or abuse. There are clear procedures to follow to protect children if they are concerned about their welfare.

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