Sticky Fingers

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy and enthusiastic as they arrive at this nurturing club. Their experiences at the club have changed a little, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, children are resilient as they adapt to new routines.

For example, they remember to wash their hands on arrival. Children play within smaller groups, to help prevent the virus spreading. They say this helps them get to know staff better and they receive more individual attention.

Children respond positively to the high expectations of staff and their behaviour is consistently good. There is an effective key-person system, which enables children to build carin...g relationships with the staff. This helps them to feel safe and secure throughout their time at the club.

For example, if children are feeling a little tired, they approach their key persons for support and reassurance. Children have positive attitudes towards their play and learning. They show independence as they choose their own toys and activities.

Children practise their small-muscle skills while using scissors and glue sticks to make artwork. They use their own ideas, such as when creating colourful flowers from paper. Children are imaginative during play.

For example, they invent stories and narratives, using small animals and figures as props.

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

The manager, who also owns the provision, is committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children feel welcome and safe. There is a strong focus on nurturing children's individual needs and talents.

This includes children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children learn to understand their differences and treat each other with kindness and respect.The manager uses thorough self-evaluation.

This includes feedback from children, parents and staff. This enables continual improvement. For example, staff have developed initiatives, such as a 'boredom box', to gather children's ideas.

This helps them plan interesting and relevant activities.Staff plan the curriculum based on children's interests, so that children learn through their play. They provide experiences which complement children's learning in school.

For example, children practise counting skills and number recognition as they play board games.Children are good communicators. They are confident and polite when talking to others.

For example, they ask the inspector why she is there and discuss their favourite aspects of the club. Children say they enjoy being at the club and like the staff. They 'get to play with friends' and 'love making things'.

Children are consistently interested and engaged in the activities. They demonstrate great energy and enthusiasm during lively group games. Children listen to the staff and show that they can follow rules and instructions.

Care practices are good. Staff encourage children to be independent, such as when looking after their belongings and using the toilet. Children enjoy the meals and snacks provided.

This includes a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables each day. However, staff do not always provide consistent guidance for children about making healthy choices.Staff form a well-established team.

The manager speaks of them as the 'backbone' of the club. She prioritises their well-being and supports them personally and professionally. There is a comprehensive programme of supervision, training and support.

For example, new team members are 'buddied' with a more experienced member of staff, to help them develop their practice.Partnership working is strong. The club staff form effective links with parents and with the schools that children attend.

This supports continuity in children's care, during their settling-in period and throughout their time at the club.Parents' comments are extremely positive. They say that staff are 'lovely' and they 'couldn't be happier or more grateful' about the service provided.

The manager has broadened the ways to communicate with parents, such as through newsletters and an online app. This has helped to strengthen parental engagement and parents say they feel listened to by the manager.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff use risk assessments effectively, to help maintain a safe and secure environment for children. The provider carries out robust checks when recruiting staff, to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. Staff receive regular training in safeguarding.

They are also included in policy reviews and group discussions, to help keep their knowledge up to date. Staff have a broad understanding of child protection issues, such as the risks of radicalisation and online abuse. They know the procedures to follow, should they have concerns about children's welfare or the conduct of a colleague.

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