Woodys

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children look forward to attending this exciting after-school and holiday club. Staff have in-depth knowledge of all children, and carefully plan the environment to meet a wide variety of interests. For example, older children organise football matches on the neighbouring pitches.

Staff support younger children to complete races and make dens out of a parachute nearby. Children are encouraged to play an active role in the planning of activities and resources. This ensures they remain thoroughly engaged throughout their time at the club.

Children of all ages form close bonds with one another. They are kind and friendly, dem...onstrating respectful behaviour towards each other and adults. All children have a good understanding of taking turns, and cooperate well in activities.

For example, older children support their younger friends to create intricate vehicles in the construction area. They patiently help them find missing pieces and praise their efforts. Children take immense pride in completing age-appropriate tasks independently.

They take it in turns to update the calendar and weather boards, and tidy away after activities. Staff use a 'buddy' system to develop children's knowledge and confidence when completing tasks. For example, younger children are paired up with an older friend when washing and drying up after meals and snacks.

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

Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They enjoy a variety of fruit for snacks, as well as a warm tea in the evening. Children of all ages have a good understanding of essential hygiene routines.

They know to wash their hands after messy activities, and before meals, to stop germs spreading. Children have plenty of access to outdoor play in the large garden areas. Children enjoy trips to local parks, and have use of the community sports facilities to support their physical development.

Staff work hard to build strong relationships with the local school. Staff communicate well with teaching staff to gather information about children's time at school. This enables them to identify children who may have struggled during the day, and offer additional support where necessary.

A highly effective key-person system is in place to support younger children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children are allocated a named member of staff to support them during their time at the club. These staff communicate exceptionally well with families and schools to promote children's development and well-being.

Parents are highly complimentary about the club and the high-quality care staff provide. They comment on how their children thoroughly enjoy attending, and value the exciting activities staff plan. Parents deeply appreciate the nurturing approach of all staff.

They acknowledge how this supports children's emotional well-being.Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are kind and supportive towards one another and demonstrate impeccable manners.

Children of all ages are aware of the rules of the club and why they are in place. Staff support this by adopting the school's approach to behaviour management and mirror the strategies they use. This ensures consistency that supports children's positive behaviour.

Children show high levels of curiosity in their play. Staff support this by planning exciting activities, which children engage well in. Staff ask age-appropriate questions that support children's critical thinking skills.

For example, children are making their own volcanos in a science experiment. Staff encourage them to explore how adding different quantities of ingredients can alter the size of the eruptions they create.Staff communicate exceptionally well with families.

Parents stay informed about children's time at the after-school and holiday club with daily updates. Staff send out regular newsletters to make parents aware of planning themes and events. Parents and children are encouraged to give regular feedback on the care the club provides.

The manager uses this information to make well-considered changes. For example, staff have recently enhanced the cloakroom area to further promote children's independence.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff demonstrate good safeguarding knowledge. They are aware of the signs and symptoms which could indicate that a child is at risk from abuse. They confidently discuss the correct process to follow when reporting concerns.

Staff conduct regular risk assessments, both indoors and in the extensive outdoor area. The manager ensures all staff complete regular training, including safeguarding and first-aid training in line with local authority guidelines. She is aware of potential changes in the suitability of staff, and the importance of reporting these to the relevant authorities.

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