The Valley Kids Club at Newker Primary

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The caring staff provide a warm and welcoming environment, where children can socialise and form firm friendships across the age groups. Staff know children's needs and interests well. They are good role models.

Staff spend time talking and playing with children. Young children build strong bonds with staff, including their key person. Staff respond well to children's different needs and personalities.

They provide interactions appropriate to children's ages and abilities. Children behave very well. They know what is expected of them and show that they feel safe.

Older children help younger ones with tasks, such a...s following routines to get ready for outdoor play. Young children settle in well from the start and are engaged in their play, such as when they role play with dolls. They are happy and confident at the club and show a strong sense of belonging.

Children create their own wraps using healthy ingredients, including salad and cheese. Staff encourage children to try nutritional foods, such as when they make fruit kebabs. This helps children to make healthy choices.

Children enjoy sitting together in a cosy corner, where they listen to familiar stories. They play games based on a favourite book and use all of their senses. For example, children feel a variety of textured materials to represent experiences from the book and look carefully to identify pictures of the characters.

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

The manager is passionate about her role. The small staff team works closely together and are enthusiastic about their contributions. They share a vision for the club and are committed to making continuous improvements.

One of the actions they plan to take is to continue to review the range of activities and resources available for children. They intend to enhance these even further.There is strong partnership working with the on-site nursery and school.

The ongoing exchange of information between staff helps to support children's well-being. The smooth and well-supervised transition from the club to school and from school to the club helps children to benefit from their after-school experiences fully.Staff give a wealth of praise for children's efforts.

Children are proud of their artistic creations, such as drawings of bears, and want to share these with staff and parents. Together, staff and children celebrate what they achieve at the club, for instance, by sharing a 'high five'. This promotes children's good self-esteem.

Parents are consulted regularly in discussions and through adding to a comments book. They say that staff are 'sunny and caring'. Parents greatly appreciate frequent feedback from staff about what children do and enjoy.

They comment on the range of fun activities that children take part in.Staff encourage children to think about and discuss their emotions. For example, staff have introduced a worry box for children to use if they want help.

Children willingly help with small tasks, such as clearing away after snack. They are kind and respectful. When needed, staff give gentle reminders of the rules, such as not moving about while eating.

Staff and children talk about why this is important, which helps to remind children about how to keep themselves safe.Children particularly enjoy playing outdoors with a range of equipment, including balls, hoops and cones. They like to make up their own games.

Staff intervene with ideas if necessary. Children benefit from fresh air and vigorous exercise in the secure school grounds.Staff hold many conversations with children about their experiences during their school day and at home.

Children approach staff for comfort and reassurance, and share their thoughts and ideas. Staff consult with children for their views on the club and use these to inform their planning.Children follow good hygiene routines, for instance they wash their hands before eating.

When it is time for a change in the routine, children copy staff when they clap a rhythm and this helps to focus their attention. Children show independence such as when preparing snacks. Children make choices in their play.

They learn to share and take turns and cooperate well in their play. All children demonstrate positive attitudes during their time at the club.Staff regularly have access to professional development activities, such as a recent behaviour management session to support their consitently good interactions with children.

The manager gives staff further support through supervision. She is keen to promote their well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager and her staff have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding the welfare of children in their care. All staff regularly undertake safeguarding training. They recognise the potential signs and symptoms of abuse.

Staff know the local procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child or if there are any allegations made about another member of staff. The management team follows safer recruitment practices and carries out ongoing suitability checks for those adults working with children. Staff complete first-aid training, so that they know how to deal with accidents appropriately.

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