Superstars Softplay LTD

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff are welcoming and friendly, and children develop close bonds with them. Staff know children very well and promote their emotional development effectively. For example, they greet each child by name when they collect them up from their classrooms.

Staff take time to find out about children's school day and how they are feeling. They ensure that all children are happy and can build positive relationships with them and other children. Children enjoy being creative and imaginative.

They use a wide variety of craft and drawing materials and talk excitedly about what they are doing. Children use their imaginations to inven...t pretend 'office' play, where they willingly listen to each other's ideas, making suggestions as they play. Children of all ages demonstrate that they feel safe and secure through their positive behaviour.

Staff act as positive role models for children. They attentively listen to children and encourage them to take turns in speaking. Staff have clear expectations about children's behaviour, and children know and understand the rules.

For example, children know to walk when they move about the club. Children behave very well. Staff praise and congratulate children when they follow the club's rules, share and are kind to their peers.

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

Staff create an inclusive atmosphere in the club. They encourage children to be independent. On arrival, children hang their bags and coats up and quickly settle to a range of activities.

Older children confidently select additional resources from the cupboard. Younger children practise their writing skills and have the opportunity to listen to stories. These meaningful activities help children to develop new interests.

Children play cooperatively with their peers. For example, older children are positive role models for younger children. They share ideas and teach them new games, such as board games.

Younger children watch and listen carefully, gaining new skills from their older friends.Staff provide well-thought-out activities. They involve themselves fully in children's games and help them refine their skills, including cutting skills.

Children are supported to make 'feeling wheels'. Staff skilfully support meaningful conversations and help children to make sense of their feelings. Children learn what makes them unique and develop positive attitudes.

Children have regular opportunities to be physically active, indoors and outdoors, and are very keen to join in with activities. They run, climb, explore, throw, kick and roll. Children have daily sessions that include football and other ball games in the attached sports hall.

These activities help to promote children's core strength and coordination.The manager has robust systems in place to risk assess the environment and activities on offer at the club. She carefully considers any possible risks and puts measures in place to help to promote the safety of children.

This means that she is well prepared to respond appropriately should any accidents or incidents occur, even when outside of the club. For example, when children are walking to and from school or playing outside.Staff develop very good partnerships with parents, who are kept well informed about their children's time at the club.

This helps parents to have a clear overview of their children's achievements and abilities. Parents comment that the staff go 'above and beyond', and they would be 'lost' without the support given to them by the staff. They state their children thoroughly enjoy coming to the club and the range of activities that they provide.

The manager is passionate about providing quality care for children. Thorough self-evaluation, she identifies how to continually improve the club. Staff benefit from regular supervision meetings.

They reflect on their practice and identify ways to improve their skills and knowledge. Morale is high among the team and staff feel that their workload is manageable.Staff have well-established arrangements to share information with schools that children attend.

Staff share information with parents at collection times. They talk through what children have been doing and pass on messages from school. This is particularly effective for the care of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and staff demonstrate a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms which may indicate a child is being abused or neglected. They understand the necessary steps they must take should they have concerns for the safety of a child in their care.

The manager, who is the designated safeguarding lead, fully recognises her responsibilities. She knows the procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a member of staff. The manager also understands a range of safeguarding issues and attends regular training to keep this knowledge updated.