The Holly Tree Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy at this breakfast and after-school club.

Staff provide a range of activities which meet the interests and age ranges of the children who attend. The organisation of the space provides opportunities for children to be in small groups with others of a similar age for most of the sessions. They can play with children of other ages when they are outside and at the end of each session.

Staff are passionate about providing a relaxed environment where children feel valued and able to be themselves at the beginning and end of the school day. Relationships between staff and children are exceptionally warm and car...ing. Staff set clear expectations of how children will behave and, as a result, children's behaviour is exemplary.

Staff create a good balance between being playful with children while also providing supportive guidance effectively. Children say they can talk to staff if there is anything bothering them.The club motto is 'all different, all equal', and this is demonstrated through the highly inclusive ethos.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in every part of the club. All children are given the opportunity to play alone when they need to and to play with friends and in a large group when they wish.

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

Children are confident.

They say they feel safe and that the staff are nice. Children really appreciate the time they get to spend outside and say they enjoy the physical play opportunities they have here that they would not get if they were at home. Some children describe the after-school club as fantastic; they say they have 'such a good time here' that sometimes 'they don't even want to go home'.

Younger children are allocated a key person who supports their transition when they start and is a key contact for the children and their parents during this period and beyond. They enjoy time together at circle time. They listen to each other, and share their news about what they did during half term.

All children are given the chance to be heard if they want to talk.Children's health and well-being are supported. They are encouraged to spend time outside while they are at the club and engage in a range of physical activity with their friends.

For example, a group of older children enjoy ball games with staff in the playground and cheer each other on as they play together. They enjoy a choice of healthy snacks, and staff encourage them to use their manners when they ask for more. Staff cater for children's allergies and any dietary requirements.

Parents feel the club is accommodating and flexible. They comment that communication is very good. They appreciate the way that their children can attend additional after-school activities, which are offered through the school, before joining the club.

They say that they feel their children are safe here and that they enjoy being here, which makes them happy.The after-school club offers support for children who are identified as having SEND. The staff understand the areas in which some children may need additional help or guidance and work closely with the school to ensure consistency of approach.

There are systems in place to ensure that children are given time to self-regulate when they need to before rejoining their friends and continuing with their play. Risk assessments are effective in ensuring children are safe when they are in the building and when out on trips during the school holidays.Parents and staff, including those who work in the on-site school, praise the leadership of the club.

They describe the running of every session as appearing seamless due to the exceptional organisation. Staff say they love working here and feel supported by the manager, who they describe as amazing. They feel their safety and well-being are valued.

The manager makes sure staff are alert to any issues affecting children in their lives outside of the club, where necessary, in order to support the children and their families.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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