After Acres

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children tell visitors that they 'really enjoy' attending the club. Older children demonstrate maturity as they walk themselves from classrooms in the host school to the dedicated rooms of the club. Younger children walk sensibly, accompanied by staff to the club.

They demonstrate they know what is expected of them as they closely observe the host school rules. For example, they walk quietly in a line so not to disturb others. Children quickly settle to their self-chosen activities and happily engage with their friends.

Children love spending time with the staff. For example, as children play with balancing blocks, they ex...plain to staff why they have chosen a specific block to pull from the tower. They then describe how this will affect the balance and structure of the remaining blocks.

Children love to play outdoors and have access to the host school's outdoor facilities. They run, play football and scale the climbing equipment safely and with ease, which supports children's physical skills well. Children enjoy reading and have access to a wealth of useful literature.

Younger children enjoy reading their favourite stories with staff. Older children find useful facts in educational magazines which deepen their understanding of current issues, such as recent changes to people in government and other topics in the news. These also provide opportunities for children to discuss anything that might be making them feel anxious.

Staff discuss these topics sensitively with children and offer age-appropriate explanations. As a result, children gain a better insight into these, which lessens their fears and anxieties.The provider, who is also the manager, worked in partnership with the host school and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, children remained safe during this time.

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

Children have access to a wealth of activities. Some of these are planned to complement children's learning at school.

For example, children practise their writing skills as they carefully design and colour in pictures of their favourite cartoon characters. Children show perseverance and concentration as they colour carefully between the lines.The manager leads with passion and has high expectations for the club.

She ensures her staff receive relevant training. In addition, she holds regular supervisions session with them. These provide an opportunity for staff to discuss their work, well-being and personal lives.

All staff say that they feel 'very well supported' and are 'very happy in their work'. Staff will benefit from more targeted coaching to enable them to develop their interactions with children to a consistently high standard.Parents are highly complimentary about the club.

They praise the manager and staff for the 'fabulous service provided for them and for their children'. Parents value the opportunity to share their views about the club. Children are also given the opportunity to add their views and opinions.

The manager closely reflects on their responses and makes valuable changes that benefit children and their families the most. For example, improved communication methods, including making even better use of the club's social media page and more detailed face-to-face discussions with parents, are working very well.Staff are good role models who treat children with respect.

They give children constant praise and encouragement. For example, they tell them 'good job' as they follow the club's rules. As a result, children know what is expected of them and they are kind and highly considerate towards their friends.

Children play cooperatively and demonstrate care and respect for each other. For example, older children explain the rules for playing table football with younger children. Outside, a group of children negotiate the rules for a goal-scoring game.

For example, they decide who will shoot first and who will be in the goals.Staff engage in meaningful discussions with children. For example, while staff play tennis with the children, they introduce words such as 'deuce' and 'ace'.

This helps children to develop their knowledge of the sport and builds their vocabulary.Children are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle. Snacks provided for children are nutritionally balanced and very healthy.

Children demonstrate independence as they select their own snack items to make a wrap and pour their own drinks. Children who leave to go home before snack is served can take some home with them. As a result, children feel included and do not miss out on the delicious array of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff understand their roles and responsibilities to keep children safe. They know the steps to take should they have a concern about a child or the conduct of a colleague.

Staff are aware of safeguarding issues that may affect children. For example, how to keep themselves safe online. The club is safe and secure.

Procedures for recruitment and vetting of staff are robust. The manager works with the headteacher at the host school to ensure the club remains in good order. Risk assessments are in place and are implemented well by all staff.

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