Whinstone After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children clearly enjoy the time they spend at this welcoming after-school club.

The youngest children are collected by staff from their classrooms. This helps to ensure that staff find out about these children's day at school so that they receive any support they may need after school. Older children make their own way to the club.

There is a well-established routine on arrival. Children chat to staff enthusiastically as they hang up their coats and wash their hands ready for snack. Staff provide effective support to the youngest children, including those who are new to the setting.

They make sure children have ot...hers to play with. This helps them to feel settled and secure. All children are treated with respect and kindness by all of the staff.

Children are wonderfully polite and helpful. They hold open doors; they have excellent manners, and they follow staff's instructions promptly. There is plenty for children of all ages to do.

The activities staff provide depend on the ages and interests of the children attending each session. Indoors, children enjoy making things out of play dough. They decorate bracelets for a charity event and join in with a dancing video displayed on the large screen.

Outside there is plenty of space to play football and make use of the school's climbing apparatus. Children great fun as they pretend to set up a restaurant in the playhouse and make deliveries to staff on scooters. There is a lovely atmosphere during the session as children are fully engaged in purposeful play.

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

The provider and her staff team work together effectively to make sure the club runs smoothly and meets the needs of all children. Training needs of staff are identified and opportunities for them to develop their practice are provided. Some of this training is accessed alongside staff at the host school.

This demonstrates strong partnership arrangements, which are in the best interest of children.There is an effective key person system in place for early years children. Staff take time to find out about children's interests and their family life.

This helps staff to ensure that the activities provided are appropriate for the youngest children. Children's learning is also promoted as staff join children in their play. They support the youngest children to recognise different numbers as they join in a bingo game with older children.

Children benefit from healthy snacks. They choose different fillings to roll up in their wraps and pour their own drinks. There is also plenty of fresh fruit available.

Arrangements for children with additional medical or dietary requirements are effective. Children's good health is further promoted through access to fresh air and exercise.The club is highly inclusive.

There is strong support for children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff follow strategies used by school staff to help to provide a consistent approach, for example when helping children to regulate their behaviour.The provider prioritises children's safety.

She makes sure that all staff recognise their responsibilities to keep children safe. Staff supervise children vigilantly at all times. They carry out regular headcounts to make sure all children are accounted for, for example when coming inside after outdoor play.

Parents say that they are very happy with the service provided by the club. They report that their children are always keen to attend, and sometimes reluctant to go home. They value the flexibility available which helps them to manage changing work commitments.

Parents report that staff are approachable and communication arrangements are effective.

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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