The Extra Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy and confident in this familiar and safe environment.

Staff reinforce the school values and children behave well and learn to be kind and helpful. Staff organise the session to help children freely choose what they want to play with from the activities on offer. Children eagerly help themselves to the various art and craft materials and show sustained levels of interests as they make their creations.

For example, some children busily make and decorate their paper planes and others confidently use tools to cut and join. Staff build on children's ideas well by providing any additional resources they request.... Children are sensitive to the needs of others.

For example, the older children learn to care and take responsibility for the younger children, and as a result, the youngest children easily join in their games and are very confident. During registration and the show-and-tell session, children are eager to share their experiences and listen to others. Children volunteer as the snack, book corner, games and outdoor equipment monitor and understand their role and enjoy this extra responsibility.

They show a real sense of belonging and have close relationships with the staff and have ample opportunity to socialise with their friends.

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

This small staff team consisting of the manager and the deputy work extremely well together to ensure the smooth and safe running of the club. They offer a varied range of play experiences for children before and after school, which complements their day at school.

The staff are warm and caring towards children. They place a strong emphasis on supporting children's emotional well-being and increasing their independence and sense of responsibility. Children behave well and have a clear understanding of the codes of behaviour in place.

Staff regularly consult with children to find out about their interests and what they enjoy most and provide these activities for their enjoyment. For example, staff daily provide a broad range of art and craft activities for children to be imaginative and make their creations. Children enjoy board games and building complex structures.

There are well-established partnerships with the on-site school the children attend, to ensure continuity of care and to promote their welfare. Staff make the time to talk to teachers to pass on any important messages about children's care and needs.Staff work closely with parents to share information about children's care and time at the club.

On the day of the inspection, parents report high levels of satisfaction. They are happy with the service they receive and are impressed by the range of activities on offer. However, systems to regularly consult with parents to obtain their views to help evaluate the service are not always successful.

Staff give clear messages to children about limiting high-sugar foods and that fresh fruits and vegetables are good for their bodies. For example, children benefit from low-sugar breakfast cereals and fruits. Staff organise snack time well with a focus on children having the time to relax and socialise.

Children learn about washing their hands and using wipes to prevent the spread of infection and about the importance of drinking water to keep hydrated.Children are warmly welcomed into this inclusive environment and staff know each child very well. They encourage boys and girls to take part in all activities and help children learn to respect each other's differences and uniqueness.

Children thoroughly enjoy outdoor play and have plenty of opportunities to be physical outdoors when there is daylight. For example, children enjoy playing ball games and using the challenging outdoor equipment. However, staff do not give enough consideration on how they can provide children with increased physical play opportunities during the darker winter months.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff are suitably vetted and their ongoing suitability assessed. They have a strong knowledge of child protection issues and the procedure to follow if they suspect child abuse or neglect.

There are robust systems in place to share information about children's safety and welfare with teachers at the school to help safeguard children. Staff carry out daily checks to make sure the environment is safe and ensure children are transported safely to and from the club. Staff talk to children about limiting screen time at home and the dangers of the internet and social media.

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