Step Ahead Kids Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children's emotional well-being is supported well by the caring and attentive staff team. Staff greet children with a friendly 'hello' and are keen to see how children are and discuss with them how their day has been.

Children are eager to get into the club and see what activities await them. On arrival, they are provided with healthy snacks, such as strawberries and raspberries. Staff remind children these are 'healthy'.

Children enjoy this sociable time to share how their day at school has been. Children have positive and trusting relationships with the staff team. As a result, they are confident in sharing their thought...s and experiences.

The staff team continually recognise and praise children, such as saying 'good job' and 'lovely manner'. This encourages positive behaviour and promotes children's self-esteem.There are a wide range of activities and resources available within the child-focused environment.

Children have access to a free-flow indoor environment, indoor dome, library and outdoor area. They gasp with excitement as they see new activities staff provide for them. Children enjoy building with construction toys.

They receive support from skilful staff, who know when to join in and when to allow children to try things for themselves. Children laugh together as they kick the ball in the indoor dome. They cut safely with the scissors and use different materials, such as tape during creative activities.

Children show good concentration and thinking skills as they create their own pretend lions.

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

Children behave well. They follow routines and boundaries that are led by the staff team.

Children use their manners such as please and thank you. They are supported to show respect and consideration for others. For example, during a football game, children agree to the rules and play fairly with each other.

They 'high five' when each other score and shake hands at the end of the game.Staff support children's independence skills in a variety of ways. Children cut their own fruit.

They sign themselves in on arrival. Children wash and dry their own hands independently. They access resources from the free choice environment.

Children take great pride in displaying their work on the display board.Children socialise well together. They play cooperatively and enjoy their time together.

Children create things together and enjoy playing games. They engage in conversations together and listen well to each other.The staff team are passionate and motivated within their role.

They are keen to learn new things to further develop their knowledge. For example, the manager has recently completed training around special educational needs. She is very knowledgeable within this area and is committed to ensuring all children are included.

The staff team review their care and practice and look at ways they can become even better. They are dedicated to offering the best service they can to families.Parents feel confident in leaving their children at the club.

They are happy with the service provided and speak highly of the staff team. They describe the team as 'always having a smile'. Parents are pleased with the variety of activities offered.

They value the support they and their children receive from the staff team.The manager has established a positive partnership with the host school. She liaises with school teachers when new children start at the club.

The school shares information, such as newsletters, and the staff team use this to support their planning of activities for children. The manager has regular meetings with school teachers to ensure they have up-to-date information about what is happening in the school and information about children. This helps to provide continuity for all children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a strong safeguarding knowledge. They know what to do if they have a concern regarding a child or staff member.

Staff are aware of the main types and signs of abuse. They also have knowledge of wider safeguarding topics, such as radicalisation, county lines, female genital mutilation and breast ironing. The staff team are aware of the support they can offer families who may need additional help.

Parents and children are provided with information around internet safety. The staff team provide this through discussions, leaflets and sharing information on their social media. The premises are effectively risk assessed, ensuring children remain safe during their time at the club.

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