Cherry Garden Out Of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are excited to enter this out-of-school club. They happily greet the staff and choose to go straight to snack or involve themselves in an activity.

They are comfortable in the setting and settle quickly, playing with the wide range of toys that are out, or choosing their own from the resource cupboard. Staff have high expectations and support children to be independent. For example, they spread their own bread or toast for snack, and choose from a wide range of fruit.

They choose to play inside or outside. Older children support younger children to settle and play. They are kind and considerate to staff and to eac...h other.

They use manners and share well.Staff have excellent communication with the school and parents, ensuring it is a smooth transition for children, and that they know children very well. They plan with the children in mind, ensuring they have favourite activities, such as scooters or painting, out on specific days.

Younger children are 'buddied' with older children when they first start, helping them to settle and feel comfortable quickly. Children are given time and space to unwind from a busy day at school. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents were not able to enter the setting.

Staff ensured they kept in contact by having quick chats at collection time and sending out detailed newsletters and emails.

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

The management team is highly effective and organised. The setting is regularly reviewed, and changes are made, where needed, to ensure it is offering the best care for children.

Staff are very well supported with regular supervisions and team meetings. Staff are encouraged to do regular training courses, ensuring they keep up to date with current practices.Managers deploy staff efficiently, ensuring children are safe and their needs are met.

For example, staff are positioned outside, inside and in the kitchen area, ensuring children can freely choose to play where they wish.Children considerately help others and adults out. For example, they share paint, saying please and thank you when they are passed the colour they require.

They help staff out by checking if everyone has had snack before it is packed away.The setting is very calm, and children's behaviour is excellent. There are very few raised voices.

Staff communicate via walkie-talkies, so do not call out across the room. If children do need to be reminded about their behaviour, it is done in a respectful way. For example, when children run inside, staff gently remind them to walk, or they may run into someone and hurt them.

There are many opportunities for children to burn off energy and develop their skills. For example, outside, children can choose to go on scooters, ride-on toys, play football, use the play equipment, and explore the woods. Inside, they choose to paint, build, read, and do craft activities.

Children have opportunities to develop their mathematical skills and coordination in a fun and exciting way. For example, they roll balls along the table, aiming at cups with numbers on them. They then count the balls to see how many points they have scored.

Staff show genuine care and respect for children and are good role models. They chat to them about their day and encourage them to take responsibility for their own space. For example, they remind children to tidy up before getting out a new toy and praise them for their achievements.

Parents are very happy with the setting. They praise the communication between school, home and the setting, saying the staff know their children well. They comment how their children love coming to the out-of-school club and are very happy with the care they offer.

They are kept informed through regular newsletters and verbal feedback at the end of the session. Thorough enrolment procedures ensure staff know children well before they start.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

There is a culture of high expectations around safeguarding. The management team and staff have an excellent understanding of what the signs and symptoms are that may be a cause for concern. They know who to call to report concerns.

Topics around safeguarding are regularly discussed in staff meetings and staff supervisions, ensuring everyone is up to date with the latest knowledge. Policies are regularly reviewed by staff and shared with parents, so everyone is aware of their safeguarding duties. The premises are extremely safe, with security doors and regular risk assessments.

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