Buds & Blossoms Ltd

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements All children arrive happily. They are collected from school by friendly staff, who escort them safely to the club premises.

Children are familiar with the consistent routines. They enter and instinctively take off their high-visibility jackets, put their belongings away and immerse themselves in play and exploration. Children settle amazingly well at this exciting and welcoming club.

Children show a strong sense of belonging and talk positively about their club and the staff who care for them. Children are caring and well mannered. Older children check in with younger children and hugs are provided in abundance.

C...hildren interact kindly, for example, when taking turns as they play table-top games. Children demonstrate positive attitudes towards their play. They concentrate while expertly using scissors to cut out delicate flower stems for Mother's Day cards.

Children are creative and use their imagination and own ideas to make their unique card designs. Children are confident communicators. Staff and children show a genuine interest in what others have to say.

Children talk about their experiences and discuss a recent school trip. Younger children are curious and ask questions about the Coliseum and staff encourage children to share their knowledge with the group. Older children talk articulately about the Coliseum.

These opportunities to share what they know, help children to develop confidence and, overall, helps to consolidate learning in school.

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

Leaders are dedicated to their vision. This is to have a child-centred club where children want to be, are excited to attend, feel happy and are safe.

Leaders want all children, regardless of age, ability or the skills they have on entry, to have fond memories of their time spent at the club. Leaders are constantly looking at ways to continue to improve the good quality service. Self-evaluation is accurate and includes the views of staff, children and parents.

Children are excited to find out about International Women's Day. Staff provide interesting activities that celebrate a range of festivals and special occasions. This helps children to become aware of the wider community and the world around them.

Children are beginning to recognise what makes them unique.Children choose which activities they wish to partake in. Older boys play board games and share their win with staff and others who commend their achievement.

Children have the opportunity to complete their homework and learn how to spell words. However, leaders recognise that they could gather more detailed information from school teachers about individual children's skills. This is to help to plan even more consistently and complement younger children's learning in school.

Children enjoy nutritious snacks and meals. They talk about making good choices and becoming healthy. Younger children engage in animated pretend play in the kitchen using toy food.

They declare 'you must eat your vegetables before you can have a slice of cake.' Leaders ensure that children drink plenty of milk and eat an abundance of fresh fruit. That said, children's choices are welcomed in moderation.

A particularly favourite meal after a long day at school is the club's renowned hotdogs.The opportunities and experiences provided by staff are well thought out. The environment is stimulating and inviting as staff work hard to transform the church hall into a hive of activity.

Children build models, play with toy vehicles and dolls, read books and play games together. Creative activities are available for all children to access. However, while they are asked to participate, sometimes younger children are not always encouraged to become engaged in some of the planned activities.

Children show awareness of the club rules. They are respectful of each other and use kind words. Staff are positive role models and children know what is expected.

For example, when staff say 'freeze' children stop, look and wait, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.There are strong partnerships with parents. Parents comment that children are well cared for and say that their children love attending the club.

Staff work closely with parents from the start to ensure they can meet children's individual needs. This often consists of providing additional support during the walk from school, administering required medication, or providing a comfort toy, should a new child require a little more reassurance.Staff comment that they love coming to work and report that their workload is manageable.

Staff are paid extra for undertaking additional training outside of working hours. Staff are proud to work at the club and value the support, training and guidance provided by leaders. All staff spoken to say they feel like they are part of a 'big extended family'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Meticulous risk assessments are carried out. Leaders ensure that all aspects of the club environment, routines and resources are monitored to ensure children are safe.

Daily safety checks are completed during the walk or minibus ride, to the club and local schools. Leaders deploy staff well to ensure that children are supervised closely at all times. Regular head counts are completed, so that children's whereabouts are known.

Children hold hands and walk in pairs when outside of the club. There are robust procedures in place for the safe recruitment of staff. This helps leaders to ensure that staff working with children are suitable to do so.

All staff are trained in child protection procedures. They know what to do if they have concerns about a child's safety or welfare or if concerned about the conduct of an adult. This helps to ensure that children are safe and well protected.