Stepping Stones

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements On arrival at the club, children show high levels of enthusiasm. They hang up their coats, put away their belongings and promptly engage in play.

Staff plan the environment around their knowledge of children's interests to capture their attention and imaginations. Children demonstrate confidence in selecting resources to play with from the wide range accessible to them. Children explain that they love attending the club and their favourite activities are always ready for them.

They comment that they can ask for other resources and activities. This helps them to feel valued and to develop a sense of belonging. Children enjo...y meaningful interactions with staff.

They discuss their day and what they are looking forward to doing at the club. Staff ask a range of questions to prompt children to think critically and expand their ideas. For instance, children discuss how they can use toy diggers to fill containers.

They try out their ideas and show joy when they succeed, helping them learn how to solve problems. Staff are positive role models for children and help them to take turns as they play. Children of all ages demonstrate excellent social skills.

They play cooperatively and willingly share toys and resources. Children organise games together amicably and enjoy imaginary play. For example, they enjoy using the imaginary veterinary surgery.

They discuss their pets being unwell and needing to visit the vet to make them better.

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

The highly experienced and dedicated manager leads the club extremely well. He and his staff have a clear vision for the club.

They seek the views of children and parents when evaluating the setting. This helps to ensure improvements in the quality of the service they provide. For example, the manager recognises that there is scope to improve children's independence skills further.

Partnerships with the host school are strong. The manager and staff regularly communicate with children's class teachers. Staff pass on messages to parents from the school to ensure continuity of care.

The manager places high priority on supporting staff well-being. He supports staff exceptionally well during supervision and appraisal meetings. Staff report that working at the club is like being part of 'one big family'.

They praise the manager for always being there and for his support and guidance.Partnerships with parents are strong. They speak very highly about the service which the club provides.

Parents explain how staff are approachable and really understand the needs of their children. They comment on the good staff retention and their high morale.Staff have developed an engaging play space that is built on what they already know about children.

They liaise with class teachers and parents to complement learning through fun and innovative ways. For example, children develop their sense of number while playing card games.Staff support children's communication and language well.

They listen to children with interest and engage them in thoughtful conversations. For example, they enjoy using a range of materials to make their favourite footballer. Staff introduce words to help children describe what they are making.

Children are good communicators and express their ideas confidently. They proudly show their creations to their friends and staff.Staff are good role models.

They encourage children to follow the club rules and expectations. Children consistently listen to instructions from staff. They know the routines of the day well and enjoy setting up activities outside.

Children enjoy taking responsibility for deciding on games they can all play with their friends.Children have ample opportunity to play outside and be active. They confidently take risks as they carefully climb the climbing frame and jump down, landing on two feet.

They skilfully bounce and catch a basketball. This helps them to develop good hand-eye coordination and become physically capable.Staff help children to learn how to keep themselves healthy.

Children follow good hygiene practices. They wash their hands before meals and after being outdoors. Mealtimes are sociable and all children sit together to eat.

They enjoy the variety of nutritious home-cooked food.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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