Blackboard Schooling Support & Solutions Ltd

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy and enjoy attending this club.

They receive a warm welcome by the caring staff team after a busy day at school. Staff know the children well and this helps children to settle in and feel safe to explore their surroundings. Older children are kind and thoughtful to the younger ones.

They recognise when a new child is unsure and invite them into their games. The manager and staff have developed secure partnerships with the linked school as well as parents. They regularly share information about children's daily activities and interests to ensure continuity of care.

Staff are fully aware of childre...n's differing needs and personalities and provide care accordingly for all children's ages and abilities. As a result, children engage well in their chosen play.Staff get to know the children well before they start at the club.

They give children clear explanations at the beginning of each session, so that children know what to expect each day. Children are very familiar with the routines when they arrive at the club. They know where to place their belongings, wash their hands thoroughly on arrival and eagerly get involved in the activities on offer.

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

There is lots of conversation and laughter at the club. Children chat confidently to other children, staff and visitors. They say that they enjoy the activities.

They especially like making tree dens and digging for treasure in the park, craft activities and tabletop games, such as chess. Children are polite and speak to visitors with confidence.Children have opportunities to access all areas of the club, and staff take the children to the local play park for fresh air.

Staff recognise the importance of promoting daily exercise, including healthy eating. For example, staff ensure children have healthy food options, including fresh fruit. Staff are vigilant of those children who have known allergies and cater for all dietary needs well.

Children benefit from good opportunities to promote their physical development. For instance, they balance across the climbing equipment at the park and use their upper body strength to complete the monkey bars route. Staff play target games with children, as they practise their throwing and catching beanbag skills together.

This helps to develop children's large-muscle movements and coordination skills.Children enjoy being creative and take part in a varied range of arts and crafts activities throughout their time at the club. For instance, they create using junk and make models according to their own interests.

Children concentrate and focus on their designs. They take their time to work on their creations and demonstrate pride in their achievements.Staff are good role models in promoting positive behaviour.

They ensure children understand and follow good behaviour expectations. For example, when children are collected by staff from their school, older children come to the meeting point in the playground. All children listen attentively to staff, who help guide them safely across the roads during their walk to the club.

Staff are respectful and encourage children to develop good manners and positive behaviour.Parents and carers are very pleased, as they know their children are happy and well looked after. They comment that their children always come out happy and even want to come when it is not their day.

Parents mention how friendly and great staff are. Parents feel that their children are safe in the setting. Parents value the information staff share with them about children's activities and their day at school, to support their well-being.

Evaluation of the club is effective. The manager and staff reflect on the activities they offer children and what they can do differently to enhance the quality of the experiences provided. They involve children in making decisions about what they would like to do while at the club.

The managers support staff's well-being and professional development effectively. They have an accurate oversight of the quality of the club. The staff talk positively about the support they receive from the club managers.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a good understanding of what constitutes a safeguarding concern. They understand the signs and symptoms of abuse.

Staff know what they would do if they had a concern about a child's welfare. They know the correct procedures to follow should an allegation be made against themselves. Staff attend safeguarding training to ensure their knowledge is kept up to date.

Robust recruitment procedures ensure that children are always cared for by suitable adults. Staff teach children about how to keep themselves safe when crossing the road or using the play park apparatus. Children are well supervised throughout the club.