Walker Children’s Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy at this after-school and holiday club. Staff provide a range of activities which meet the interests and age ranges of the children who attend.

Staff talk to children about the activities that they would like out for the following sessions and involve them in the planning. The organisation of the space provides opportunities for children to be in small groups with others of a similar age or to mix with children of different ages. The youngest children are provided with time to calm in small groups and read stories.

Staff are passionate about providing a relaxed environment, where children feel valued and ...able to be themselves at the end of the school day. Relationships between staff and children are warm and caring. Staff set clear expectations for children's behaviour and work with them to recognise their emotions.

As a result, children's behaviour is good and they learn how to manage their emotions from a young age. 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 is highly inclusive. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all activities and their individual needs planned for. 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 arrive excitedly at this after-school club and independently chose a peg to hang their bags on. Children sit together for a snack and share their news for the week. Children share items they have from holidays and exciting events they are looking forward too.

Children's behaviour is good. They are respectful of their friends and of the staff. Older children support their younger friends when they play together with the ball.

They introduce them to new ideas. All children are kind and caring towards each other. They build meaningful relationships.

Children demonstrate good levels of independence. They choose their own activities, meet their personal care needs and collect their own belongings at the end of the session. Children are encouraged to tidy up the toys when an activity is finished.

Staff support children's well-being. They listen to children and value their opinions and ideas. Staff invite children to have a go when they suggest how to adapt an activity.

Staff support children to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle.Children all wash their hands as they arrive at the club and before snack times. Nutritious snacks are provided that cater to all children's individual dietary needs.

Children also have access to an outside play area, where they can ride bikes, run and play with balls.Children learn the importance of being healthy and active. They grow herbs and tomatoes in the garden, tending to these themselves.

Staff support children to understand when these are ready to be picked. They do an indoor 'exercise routine' when they first arrive, which is led excitedly by one of the children.Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported.

Staff work closely with the host school, parents and outside agencies to ensure children have the best care.Staff ensure children have a positive experience while at the club. Children are well supported, they enjoy play and learning.

Parents comment on the close partnership they have with the club and talk about how their children excitedly tell them of the activities they have completed or have planned for the next day.Staff say they love working here and feel supported by the manager. 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.

Also at this postcode