Walkley After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are very happy and confident in the care of the caring and experienced staff.

They appreciate the friendly welcome they receive when they arrive at the well-organised club. Children settle immediately to their chosen activity and play confidently alongside others. Children learn to be very independent and to make considered decisions about their choices during their time in the club.

They know what is expected of them and are keen to participate in all the many activities that staff encourage them to join in. For example, children are inspired by the creative activities to create colourful greetings cards for thei...r friends or develop their own active physical games.Children are safe and secure.

They rise to staff's high expectations for their behaviour and well-being. Children know that they can talk to staff about their interests and worries, and that any concerns will be acted on. Children learn to share, take turns and help each other as they build with their wide range of construction activities, play games or enjoy baking and other activities.

Parents are extremely appreciative of the friendly and caring ethos of the club and the regular feedback and support from the staff.

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

The experienced and well-qualified manager is keen to consistently develop the club's effectiveness. She has strengthened procedures for supporting staff's professional development since the previous inspection and has identified further training opportunities.

There is a strong partnership with the host school and they are working towards further enriching and extending the club's provision.Staff create a warm and nurturing environment. Young children play happily with older ones and feel valued and supported.

The manager and staff are excellent role models, engaging easily with children and promoting friendly conversations. Parents regularly comment on the positive impact that the club has on developing their children's confidence and social skills.Staff make a positive contribution to children's health and well-being.

They help children to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Staff ensure that children have nutritious snacks available and encourage them to participate in regular physical activities. They engage children in many fun baking and seasonal cooking activities.

Staff liaise closely with children's teachers and parents in order to meet children's individual needs effectively, including those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They are sensitive to children's feelings. Staff spend time talking to children and supporting them to find solutions to experiences that they may find difficult.

Staff provide many different activities to suit children's different needs. For example, children participate in role play in the pretend kitchen and shopping areas or develop their imaginative play with small-world toys. Children enjoy handling and learning about skunks and tarantulas in the visiting mobile zoo.

Children are strongly involved in the day-to-day life of the club. Staff listen constantly to their opinions and involve them in planning and organising activities. They talk regularly to parents to make sure that their planning reflects children's changing and developing interests and abilities.

Parents very strongly recommend the club. They are confident leaving their children in the staff's care. Parents comment on how their children always look forward to attending and often want to stay longer.

They typically comment that their children are in no rush to leave when they turn up to collect them.

Safeguarding

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