Dovedale Out of Hours Kids’ Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff greet children warmly and welcome them to the club at the end of the school day. They know children very well and provide a range of activities that children find interesting and enjoyable. Some staff who work at the club also work at the school.

This means that children are supported by adults who know them well. Staff gather important information about children when they first start to attend the club. This information is used effectively to help to ensure that children's individual needs are met by their key person.

Children choose from a range of activities, both indoors and outside. Children play very well toget...her. For example, older children encourage their younger friends to join them as they try out their ideas while building models.

They talk about what they think will work best as they build elaborate structures. Children respond to staff's high expectations regarding behaviour. They know what is expected of them.

For example, children quickly respond when staff require them to stop what they are doing and listen. Children follow instructions well and are kind and considerate of one another. This contributes to the wonderful, relaxed and calm environment at the busy club.

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

Managers and staff are enthusiastic about their work at the club and demonstrate a clear enjoyment of their role. Staff are eager to provide the best possible experiences for children who attend. They evaluate all aspects of the club, seeking the views of parents and children when considering changes to the club.

Children's views are important to staff. For example, 'idea boxes' are used to gather children's thoughts and suggestions. This helps children to develop a sense of ownership over the club.

Staff conduct regular checks of the equipment and the environment. They sensitively teach children to be mindful of their own and each other's safety. For example, staff remind children to watch out for their friends as they play on trikes.

Children understand the areas they are permitted to play in. They are always under the close supervision of staff. Careful consideration is given to staff deployment.

This helps to ensure that children are always supervised and helps to ensure that they play safely.Links with the host school are highly effective. Club staff collect children from their classrooms at the end of the day.

This gives them the opportunity to speak with class teachers and find out what children have been doing. Staff are aware of what children are learning in school. This enables staff to provide opportunities that complement children's next steps in learning.

Children are incredibly independent. For example, they know where to store their belongings and how to top up their own drink bottles throughout the session. Staff encourage children to try a variety of healthy snacks and ensure that all children have opportunity to play outdoors in the fresh air.

Staff remind children of the importance of wearing suncream and of remaining hydrated. This contributes successfully to children's good health and well-being.Parents speak highly of the setting, describing it as 'a wonderful club' and 'a great part of children's school experience'.

Parents value the nurturing approach staff have towards their children and feel assured that their children are safe and well cared for during their time at the club. They report that staff communicate well with them and they appreciate the many activities their children participate in.The club manager is well organised, which helps to ensure the club runs efficiently.

She is a highly effective role model for her staff team. Staff benefit from supervision meetings to discuss any issues or to plan training opportunities. They appreciate the consideration given to their well-being.

Staff describe being very happy and feel very well supported in their roles.

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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