Whittlesford Out Of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have a wonderful time in this superbly run club. They arrive from their classrooms with genuine enthusiasm and greet staff with happy smiles.

Children have a real say in the resources and activities on offer. They add their ideas to the 'ideas board' and staff do their utmost to meet children's wishes. For example, a recent interest in 'Harry Potter' has led to a range of themed activities about magical things.

Children use their imaginations as they construct three-dimensional models from card, paper & colourful stickers. They eagerly roam the outdoor areas, using torches when it is too dark to see.Children demon...strate a good sense of belonging.

They develop strong friendships with each other. The youngest children have an older 'buddy' to look after them. This gives them confidence and encourages them to join in with activities from the outset.

Older children show respect for younger ones; they look after them and involve them in their games. Children learn how to care for other living things as, for example, they take turns to look after the club's two guinea pigs. They undertake responsible tasks, such as cleaning the cage and freshening food and water.

Staff interact very well with children. They provide attentive support when asked and give children the space they need to play freely and enjoy themselves.

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

Managers and staff have established close links with the school.

Several staff members work in school, which gives children a good sense of continuity. Younger children have online learning records that are shared between school, parents and the club. This helps the club to offer complementary activities that helps children consolidate what they learn in school and at home.

Children have wonderfully rich experiences outdoors. They thoroughly enjoy playing with the innovative equipment in the club garden, such as the water pump. Staff and children play imaginary games, such as building a pretend fire with wood, material and coloured lights.

Children have regular times to visit a local country park, where they explore woodland and learn about nature.Parents express their delight with the club. They clearly value it highly and say it gives them 'peace of mind' when they are at work.

Staff offer new parents settling-in visits through the summer, so children starting in September know what to expect. Staff work well with school staff to make sure relevant information is shared, such as absences or accidents.The committee and managers support this well-qualified staff team extremely well.

There is a strong sense of camaraderie between all those involved and morale is high. Robust recruitment and supervision procedures help to ensure staff are suitable. Staff have an excellent understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Their relationships with children are exceptional.Children's well-being and physical health are promoted very well. Staff teach children about the importance of healthy food choices and provide an amazing selection of fruits and vegetables.

Children choose their menus using healthy-eating guidance. They offer the inspector a taste of the pizzas, which they say, 'are delicious'. Staff support children to attend dance and sports clubs offered by the school and encourage them to be active.

For example, children follow the 'Harry Potter' yoga programme.Children develop their understanding of religions, cultures and traditional events. They learn about Remembrance Day and write their thoughts on a whiteboard.

Staff introduce children to the Diwali celebration and invite parents in to share their own experiences. Books, posters and planned activities help children to understand how other communities live.Children understand and follow the golden rules for behaviour at the club.

Staff reward children positively with praise when they show kind and helpful attitudes. For achievements that are 'over and above' what is expected, children have awards given out in front of their friends, to give them a special sense of pride. Staff place a good sense of trust on children knowing their boundaries, such as where they can go, or not go, when they are outside.

Nonetheless, they supervise children effectively to keep them safe.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Managers and staff have all received frequent training to help them to meet their safeguarding responsibilities.

They share any new information at team meetings to keep their knowledge up to date. Safeguarding leads have close links with the school to appropriately share information that helps to keep children safe. Staff teach children how to keep themselves safe online and are alert to changes in their behaviour that suggest they are at risk.

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