ZigZag Out Of School Clubs (Horsham)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happy to be in this welcoming and well-organised club.

They enjoy choosing their own activities and playing with their friends in a stimulating environment. Children develop very good relationships with the caring staff. They confidently share news about their day at school.

Staff listen carefully and ask questions. For example, they talk about the forest trip. Children know the routines and quickly find what they want to play with.

Children use their imagination and creativity as they have fun together. They include staff in their play. Staff are always on hand to add suggestions and resources to ...help develop children's ideas.

Children manage risks and solve problems. For example, children worked together for some time to build a large den. They found logs to hold up the walls and balanced cardboard to make the roof.

Other children were invited to play in the 'shoe shop' they made. The manager and staff consistently model respect and kindness. Children respond well to gentle reminders to support good behaviour.

Children are polite and follow consistent rules and boundaries. They show consideration for one another as they play. For example, they wait patiently for a turn as they play a guessing game or to jump on the popular trampoline.

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

Staff carefully set out a wide range of familiar and new activities for children's play. They find out about themes that children are covering in school and include activities that link to this in the club. Children have opportunities to relax after a busy school day.

For instance, they watch their favourite film, thread beads, or carefully draw pictures. This helps to ensure that all children are motivated and fully engaged in their chosen activity.Children move freely between the indoors and outdoors.

They thoroughly enjoy being in the garden. For example, they have plenty of space to run around and play ball games, such as football. They learn team-building skills and negotiate positions and rules.

Younger children learn to control their movements as they climb on soft blocks.Staff get to know the children well, using detailed information from parents when children first join the club. Children support new and younger children well, happily including them in their games.

Children quickly become part of the group. Staff listen with interest to children. They engage children in meaningful conversations about their play.

Staff respond sensitively and promote children's well-being very well. For example, they consistently praise children's efforts and achievements. They encourage children to discuss and find resolutions to minor disputes that arise as they play.

The manager and staff have developed strong relationships with staff in the local school. This enables them to easily share key information about the children to help to ensure that there is a continuity of care and learning. Staff use training opportunities offered by the school, such as the recent safeguarding training, to help keep staff's knowledge up to date and children safe.

The club is a valued part of the community. The manager and the small staff team work well together. The manager models her good practice as she works alongside staff.

Staff say they are well supported and happy in their work. This helps to provide a positive experience for the children.The manager and senior staff member complete regular supervision meetings with staff to monitor their overall performance.

Staff are encouraged to extend their skills, knowledge and qualifications to improve outcomes for children. However, this could be better targeted to help raise further the quality and consistency of staff's interactions with children.The manager is committed to providing high-quality care.

She consistently evaluates every aspect of the club. She seeks the views of staff and feedback from parents, such as through regular questionnaires. As a result, ongoing improvements are made to the environment.

This helps to ensure that the club is inviting and safe for the children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff complete appropriate safeguarding training and have a good understanding of the signs of possible abuse.

The manager regularly checks their knowledge and is always available to talk through any concerns about a child's welfare. Staff are clear about the procedures to follow. The manager ensures that all staff are suitable to work with children.

She follows a robust vetting process to ensure children's safety. Staff carry out regular risk assessments to help minimise any hazards in the environment. The premises are secure so that children cannot leave unsupervised and unexpected visitors cannot gain access.

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