Aktiva @ Brackenbury Primary

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have fun at this after-school club. They are deeply engaged in activities that are planned for them although they do have a say in what they would like to do and and what they would like to play with.

Staff encourage children to be healthy with active activities and healthy food. They make their own play dough and serve their own snack and put on their own spreads using knives. Children of all ages love messy play activities and get involved.

Those who wish to engage in more quiet activities have choices and staff have strong relationships with the children.Children are encouraged to be active and are motivated by... fun and engaging staff who ensure that all children are having a good time. Children are kind and caring towards each other.

They collaborate and share resources and talk of the friendships they have made in the club. Children say that the teachers are kind and they talk about the fun activities they do. Although not all staff are permanent at the site, where there is cover staff, children benefit from a familiar face from within the company.

Staff support children to behave well and their behaviour is good. They enjoy the company of their friends and form new friendships with children from other schools. Older children show kindness towards the younger children who attend.

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

Staff collect children from their teachers and bring them back to the dedicated hall. This is large and spacious and has access to a large outdoor playground. This supports children's learning and well-being effectively.

Children excitedly enter the room. They understand the routines of the club and follow instructions well. For example, children know where to place their personal belongings and begin their activities.

They talk excitedly about activities they took part in earlier in the week and get excited about what is on offer for the day.Staff talk to the children and there is an excited atmosphere in the hall as children get involved in making play dough independently. High levels of motivation are evident.

Children are provided with a range of healthy and nutritious snacks during their time at the club. Snack time is a social occasion. Children sit and chat to their friends and staff about their school day and develop appropriate table manners.

Staff obtain information regarding any special dietary requirements. They serve themselves and their friends and discuss what is on offer that day. Teachers use it as an opportunity to discuss helping our bodies grow with healthy food.

This then turns into a conversation about the effects of exercise on our bodies.Staff clearly enjoy being with the children. Staff members know the children well.

Staff's genuine interest in children is evident. This helps children develop a sense of belonging in the familiar and welcoming club. Staff work tirelessly to promote children's physical and emotional well-being.

Children trust the staff and respond to their caring nature.Staff form appropriate links with staff at the feeder schools. This helps to ensure that children's move from school to the club is supported well, ensuring their individual needs and care are met.

Parents speak highly of staff and the care they provide. They feel that staff know their children well. Staff help children settle in, especially in their first weeks of school in Reception.

They describe the staff as 'very warm and friendly'.The experienced and ambitious area manager conducts regular supervision meetings with all staff to identify areas for development. There is a strong support system from upper management and staff at the setting feel secure in their duties to care for children.

Staff follow procedures and policies to safeguard children. They have a clear understanding of their expectations. All staff hold a paediatric first-aid certificate and attend behaviour management training.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Robust systems are in place to ensure children are kept safe from harm. Staff knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse is strong and they are aware of what to do if there is an allegation made against a member of staff.

Staff are aware of the procedures to follow if a child makes a disclosure to them and there is a consistent approach to managing behaviour in order keep children safe. There is a strong support system in place from head office to support staff to keep children safe. Staff feel supported in their role and have the confidence to talk about any safeguarding situation that could occur.

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