The Gap Club After School and Holiday Club @ Staines Prep School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this welcoming and inclusive holiday club.

On arrival at the club, children make decisions about what to play with and quickly get involved in their chosen activities. Staff foster extremely positive relationships with the children and make sure their individual needs are met very well. Children are allocated a key person who is responsible for their care and well-being.

Staff take a genuine interest in what children do and say, and they strive to provide the best possible experiences for them. The programme of activities is carefully considered to take account of children's likes, d...islikes and interests. This means they really enjoy time spent in the club with their friends.

Children are able to engage in physical play every day. For example, in the sports club programme, they learn football, tennis and rugby skills, and are confident to balance, hop and jump. Children in the multi-activity programme particularly enjoy cooking and art and craft activities.

They concentrate well and become deeply engaged in what they are doing. Children show a good understanding of number, colour and shape as they select from a wide range of creative materials.Children behave well.

They are kind to each other and respectful of individual differences. Staff are positive role models and give clear guidance about expected behaviour. The older children are mindful of the younger children's needs and happily share and involve others in their games.

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

Staff foster strong partnerships with parents of children who attend the holiday club. They work with parents to promote positive settling-in procedures. These help children to develop confidence when first joining the club, and help parents know expectations.

Children are cheerfully greeted by staff on arrival.Staff help children to be aware of their own safety. For example, they discuss risks before going outside to play and why they must not leave the room without staff's permission.

Children diligently adhere to the rules. Staff complete risk assessments and ensure that children are closely supervised at all times.Staff use a range of successful strategies that ensure children are enthusiastic, engaged and motivated in their play.

For example, they continually talk to children and value their responses, using these to extend their conversations.Children's emotional well-being is supported well. Relaxation sessions are run for children at the end of each day.

Staff report that they have found these regular sessions beneficial and feel it has had a positive impact on children's concentration, confidence and self-esteem.Children develop a strong understanding of how they can keep themselves healthy. Staff give clear messages to all children about healthy eating.

They provide a range of fruit at snack times and encourage children to bring in healthy packed lunches.There is a strong focus on inclusion. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are happy and enjoy their time at the club.

Staff provide skilled support and adapt activities so that children can actively participate. They work closely with parents and take on board any advice from professionals. As a result, children are fully included.

The provider and manager regularly reflect on the provision to identify and build on good practice. They actively seek the views of parents and children, then use the resulting information to plan improvements. Managers use training opportunities effectively to enhance their own and staff's skills and knowledge.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a good understanding of how to protect children from harm. They know how to identify and report their concerns about children to keep them safe.

All staff attend regular training, as well as meetings, to ensure that their safeguarding knowledge is kept up to date. Telephone numbers of agencies that deal with child protection concerns are displayed. Staff make sure that the setting is safe and well maintained.

They act swiftly to deal with hazards. Managers ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children. Good recruitment and induction procedures help staff to understand their roles in keeping children safe.

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