The Lime Trees

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements This club is delightful.

Children show warm and secure relationships with their key person. The atmosphere in the club is calm, relaxed and nurturing. Children enter the club happily and staff listen attentively as they talk about their school day.

Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they confidently put away their belongings and follow the club routines. For example, they understand the additional safety measures that staff have implemented due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic to help keep children safe, such as washing their hands on arrival and playing with others in their year group. Staff provide... comfortable and cosy spaces, where children curl up and relax to read quietly.

Staff encourage children to make choices about their play. There is a wide variety of resources for children to choose from. Children enjoy making play dough with staff.

They measure the ingredients using spoons and cups and bring the ingredients together with dexterity as they squeeze and pat the play dough into its desired shape. Children's behaviour is a reflection of the care and respect they receive from staff. They listen intently, follow instructions and take pride in themselves and the club.

Staff offer children many opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children use bats, balls and hoops outdoors. Children understand how to keep themselves safe as they apply sun cream and search for their hats before going outside.

They spend time chatting to their friends in the cool shaded areas.

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

The partnership with the host school is excellent. Staff obtain a wealth of information about children's likes, dislikes and interests when they start.

They use this information to plan activities that engage and excite the children. This helps to ensure continuity between school and the club. The headteacher commends staff for the secure partnerships they have established with the school.

Parents speak very highly of staff and the service they offer. They talk about how the club goes 'above and beyond' with their communication and that their children are part of 'The Lime Trees family'. Parents are upskilling themselves as they attend online training events to improve their knowledge.

For example, many parents recently attended a webinar hosted by the club and the NSPCC. They comment that they are better equipped to discuss sensitive issues with their children.The well-qualified and experienced staff know how children play and develop.

Their calm and caring approach has developed lovely relationships with children. They are good role models and are skilled in talking children through their actions, exploring alternatives and helping them to develop negotiation skills. This supports children's positive behaviour.

The values of the club are shared and understood by all leaders and staff, they are a cohesive team. There is a clear ambition and shared commitment to provide the best possible care for the children. Leaders and staff work as a team to regularly reflect on the service they provide and they show a strong drive to enhance the club further.

For instance, they have thoughtfully considered the self-care skills children need to succeed within society. They plan activities to promote independence, social skills, hygiene routines, keeping themselves safe and daily activities, such as preparing meals.The provider and staff are passionate about developing their professional skills and knowledge.

The provider makes sure they access a range of training opportunities. Regular appraisals, supervision meetings and useful feedback helps staff develop as professionals. The provider has recognised the impact the pandemic has had on staff.

There is a dedicated well-being lead to help support staff mental health and well-being.Staff use feedback from the children to plan and prepare activities. Children talk positively about their time at the club.

They share how they enjoy choosing what they would like to do. They say that the club is 'fun' and that they like spending time with their friends outside, playing games and completing craft activities.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The provider and other senior leaders make sure that staff are suitable to work with children. Recruitment procedures are robust. All staff hold valid first-aid certificates, this helps to provide emergency care for children if any accidents occur.

All staff recognise the signs and symptoms of possible child abuse. They have a thorough understanding of how to report any concerns regarding the children's welfare. There is a clear policy that outlines the procedure to follow.

The contact details for the relevant agencies involved in safeguarding children are also included. Children play in a safe and secure environment. The manager and staff assess all areas used by the children and minimise risks.

Also at this postcode