Starfish Kids Club @ St Paul’s

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children come happily into this after-school club.

They are welcomed by name as they arrive and staff ensure their favourite activities are available. Children are excited to share news about their day at school with staff. Staff listen carefully and ask questions about the 'crowns' they are wearing.

Children talk about the party food and games for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations. They form good relationships with the enthusiastic and caring staff. Children listen and respond to the gentle reminders and positive behaviour strategies from staff.

Children help to develop the club rules and, generally, behave well.C...hildren are encouraged to use their imagination and be creative. For example, children spend some time drawing, cutting and making models from paper and card.

They use their own ideas for decorations and work out ways to attach parts together. Children are eager to show their finished creations and staff show genuine interest in their achievements. This helps to support children's good self-esteem.

Children are engaged and motivated throughout the club session. They enjoy the freedom to play indoors or to explore the gardens outside. Children learn to cooperate with others as they join in games, such as hide and seek or tag.

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

Staff know the children well and genuinely enjoy spending time with them. They follow children's lead in their chosen activity and sensitively join in with their play. Staff encourage conversation.

Children happily chat about their activities and what they like to do best. Children welcome staff help when it is needed. Staff quickly find additional resources or give new ideas to develop play.

Children concentrate very well on their activities.Children choose independently from a good range of activities, planned to match their interests and abilities. For example, staff help children to make 'slime' at their request.

They choose their own colours and are excited to take some home with them.Staff support quieter children to develop confidence and join in activities. They use gentle reassurance and help children to feel included in play with other children.

The club is an inclusive environment where every child is valued. Staff consistently model kindness and respect for others. Children improve their social skills and make friends as they have fun together.

Children have access to a good range of books and reading materials for quiet times. They enjoy writing their own stories. Staff support children who speak English as an additional language well with simple conversation and new vocabulary, such as 'pepper', as they make pretend food in role-play games.

Staff give children a range of healthy options for snack time, such as fruit, wraps and rice cakes. Parents say they appreciate their children being able to try new foods. Managers are researching ways to enhance food and drink choices even further.

Children independently wash their hands and clear away their plates. They enjoy the opportunity to eat snacks outside in the fresh air in fine weather.Parents are complimentary about the club.

They say the staff are friendly and their children love attending. Staff talk to parents each day to give feedback about their child's day at school as well as their time at the club. Parents like to access photos of activities that are posted online.

Staff work very well together and are supported effectively by managers. Staff receive a detailed induction to help them to understand and carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively. This enables them to meet children's welfare needs.

Staff show that they are confident and happy in their work. This helps to provide a good quality experience for the children.Regular staff meetings and professional discussions enable staff to discuss practice issues and make improvements that benefit the children.

For example, there are plans to make the club environment even more inviting and engaging for the younger children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff complete appropriate safeguarding training regularly and have a good understanding of what to do if they have a concern about a child's welfare.

They are clear about the procedures to follow. Staff are carefully checked to ensure they are suitable to work with children. They carry out risk assessments to help minimise any hazards in the environment.

Staff supervise children carefully to help ensure they play safely. The premises are secure, so that unexpected visitors cannot gain access. Staff are first-aid trained and know what to do in a medical emergency.

Also at this postcode