West Hill Life @ New Ash Green Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children very much enjoy going to the after-school club. Staff create a calm and well-laid-out environment. They carefully think about children's interests and provide activities to excite all children.

They are highly inclusive and ensure that every child feels like they belong and feels safe and happy.Children cheerfully greet the staff when they arrive and immediately engage in activities. Staff interact with children as they play, genuinely eager to hear about their day and engage them in meaningful two-way conversations.

Children giggle and smile as they talk to staff. Children thoroughly enjoy engaging with each othe...r and learn from each other's confidence and knowledge. They focus for long periods of time on activities, such as building blocks, reading stories and creating play dough models.

Children calmly cooperate with club routines, which are well embedded. Children enjoy taking part in a range of experiences that enhance well what they are learning at school. For example, they smile as they learn how to follow and recall instructions to make play dough.

Staff are good at encouraging children to have a go and try new things for themselves. They give children ample time and do not make them feel rushed. Staff delight in praising children and celebrating their achievements.

This helps to build children's confidence. The club has a happy and supportive atmosphere, where children thrive and build on their existing skills.

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

Leaders and managers are passionate about supporting children and their families.

Staff build close partnerships with parents and staff at the host school. This means staff can meet the needs of children effectively, provide good continuity of care and support their well-being.Staff carefully consider children's interests and their ages when planning what activities they will set out.

They understand some children enjoy a cosy and quiet reading area, where they eagerly choose stories and share them with their friends. Other children enjoy making play dough and being set construction challenges.Children focus well on their chosen play activity.

They say they enjoy the activities and find them interesting. They particularly like 'self-chosen Friday', where they can select the resources themselves.Staff use their expert skills and knowledge to support children to further enhance their abilities learned in school.

Staff are good role models, modelling good language and new vocabulary. Furthermore, they encourage children to solve problems, such as when working out how to make good play dough.Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.

Staff demonstrate a good knowledge of their needs and play alongside them to encourage them to make progress. Staff are highly inclusive in their approach. They support all children to understand about individual differences and similarities and how to make everyone feel welcome and valued.

Staff support children's independence skills well. They explain things to children and praise them, exclaiming, 'I'm so proud of you,' when they master a new skill. Children excitedly tell the inspector that they have been allowed to take group times themselves, teaching other children how to paint and make loom bands.

They show great self-esteem and confidence.Staff involve children in making decisions about the club. This helps children to gain a sense of belonging.

For example, children are able to share their views about what rules should be in place for acceptable behaviour and their ideas for what activities are provided.All children behave very well. Staff support them with verbal reminders and 'boundary boards' to help them remember the importance of respect and kindness.

They excitedly share resources, play together and make a space for their friends at the table.Staff say they enjoy working at the club and feel valued as part of a close team. They are continually reflective of their practice together.

They meet daily to discuss the activities they provide to ensure they are meeting the needs of all children. Staff understand the importance of developing their own skills for the benefit of the children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The provider and manager take effective steps to keep staff's safeguarding knowledge up to date. All staff attend regular safeguarding training and can confidently identify the signs and symptoms of abuse. They understand the importance of sharing any concerns promptly to help keep children safe.

They know how to deal appropriately with any allegations made. Staff supervise children closely and ensure the parts of the premises they use are safe and secure. The provider follows effective recruitment procedures to ensure those employed to work with children are suitable to do so.

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