The Childcare Club At Buckingham Park

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive with confidence and are happy to attend the club. They quickly settle to play with activities of their choice and become fully absorbed. For example, they enjoy imaginative play and take on specific roles in the well-resourced pretend home area.

Some children choose to read books and cosy up together in comfortable spaces. Children say that there is always plenty to do and that they are never bored. They are very involved in the club and staff value their views highly.

For example, staff continually seek children's ideas about activities that they wish to do and the skilled staff implement these effectively.... This helps children to feel a strong sense of belonging. In addition, they are included in decisions about the organisation of the club, such as the introduction of a buddy system.

Children are very well behaved and show that they understand what is expected of them. For instance, during registration time, they readily remind each other about the rules of the club. The well-qualified and experienced staff listen attentively to children.

They have high expectations for them and help them to make choices, such as deciding which colour slime to make, through a voting system.

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

The well-qualified staff work very well together. They continually evaluate the service they provide to children and their families and implement changes as necessary.

For example, they have reviewed the organisation of snack time and successfully implemented changes to this. Staff now ensure that children have more time to enjoy this time in smaller groups, which impacts positively on their comfort and independence.Senior managers support staff successfully.

For instance, staff receive high levels of guidance when taking on new roles and responsibilities. As a result, they share skills and knowledge effectively to benefit the children. Staff have opportunities to discuss their well-being.

Managers take effective steps as necessary, such as reviewing and reducing the workload of staff.Children enjoy playing in the safe and welcoming environment. They are independent and show good levels of self-esteem.

Very young children confidently speak to visitors and tell them about their friends and the wide range of activities that they enjoy. They particularly like making items to take home, playing computer games and baking.Staff help younger children to feel settled and secure.

For example, staff gain detailed information from parents about children's interests and what they know and can do. Staff then ensure that resources to match these are easily available.Older children are also nurturing towards their younger friends.

They show them how to successfully use craft materials and help them with their construction models.The key-person approach works effectively, and staff know children well. They are very aware of dietary needs and provide a variety of food choices.

Staff organise games in the hall and outdoors for children to practise their physical skills and to take risks in their play. The leadership team and staff are reviewing how they can use the outdoor spaces even more, such as all year round.Staff join in well with children's play and help to build on what children learn at school.

For example, during craft activities, staff help children to master skills, such as successfully using scissors to make penguins, using paper and glue. Staff skilfully organise interesting activities to help engage children in their play. They support children's mathematical understanding, such as early calculation, when they mix ingredients to make slime.

Staff also ask children questions to help them think and respond, which helps to support their language skills.The partnership with children's parents and class teachers is effective. Staff ensure that key messages from teachers are passed to parents.

They also provide a memory book for children and their parents. This contains various photographs of activities that they have enjoyed. Parents speak highly about the club.

They say that their children love coming to the club and that they like the wide range of activities provided.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The leadership team follows rigorous recruitment and induction procedures to help ensure those caring for children are suitable.

Staff have access to comprehensive written policies and follow these carefully, such as collecting children safely from their classrooms. They attend regular safeguarding training to help ensure that their knowledge is up to date. Staff understand their responsibilities to protect children.

They know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about children or adults caring for them. Staff provide messages about keeping safe when playing computer games. Children show that they understand how to keep themselves and others safe, such as not swinging on chairs or running indoors.

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