The Play Station

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are excited to attend the out-of-school club after their busy school day. Staff greet the children warmly as they are collected from their classrooms. Children tell visitors that they love coming and spending time with their friends.

They form strong relationships with the supportive staff who know them well. For example, when younger children struggle to regulate their emotions, staff are quick to intervene and support them. This helps children to feel safe and secure during their time at the club.

Children are enthusiastic and motivated learners. They show that they are extremely happy at the club as they laugh ...together and talk among themselves. Staff provide children with a range of well planned and engaging activities and experiences, both inside and out.

For example, children make their own perfumes as they mix flowers and herbs with water. Staff encourage them to crush and mix the ingredients together with rolling pins. This helps children to concentrate on their chosen activities well.

Children know the routines of the club and behave extremely well. They are helpful, well mannered and polite. Staff act as positive role models and encourage children to be respectful towards one another.

Staff in the club embed 'ground rules', which they have on display and practise regularly, such as being kind and sharing.

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

The experienced manager is reflective, well organised and passionate about continuously improving the service she provides for children and their families. She values the staff team and their well-being.

Staff comment that they are happy and feel well supported in their roles. The manager provides staff with regular supervision sessions and observations of practice. This helps to identify any strengths and areas for development.

When new staff are recruited, the manager ensures that robust induction procedures are in place.The manager and staff place a high priority on making the club an inclusive environment for all children. Children with special educational needs and /or disabilities (SEND) are supported well at the club.

The manager and staff work together with children's teachers and parents to ensure that children have appropriate support for their specific needs. This means that all children, including those with SEND, enjoy their time at the club.There is a strong partnership between the club and the linked school.

Staff collect children each day from their classrooms. Teachers share relevant information, which helps staff to meet children's individual needs. Teachers comment on how they value the partnership they have with the club.

This helps provide children and families with an ongoing positive link between the school and club.Partnership with parents is strong. Parents speak highly about the club.

They say children love coming each day and comment on the exceptional staff team. Staff share information with parents about their children's day, through daily discussions. Parents value the range of activities and experiences that staff plan and how well they support the children.

The manager and staff support children to lead a healthy lifestyle. Children choose from a range of healthy snacks, such as apples, bananas and yoghurts. Staff provide children with many opportunities to be physically active each day.

For example, children have access to a large playing field, where they enjoy football and running games. The club also has a well-resourced secure outdoor area with opportunities to run, balance and climb.Children develop their independence well.

Staff have developed an environment where children can choose what they want to play with. Children enjoy the responsibility of undertaking tasks, such as washing their hands and serving themselves at snack time. This supports them to become able and confident in their own ability.

Children are supported to be creative at the club. Staff use children's suggestions and current interests to plan a range of arts and craft activities. For instance, children use glitter and different coloured material to make leavers' cards for their teachers at school.

Younger children engage in bead-making activities.

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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