Elson Breakfast & After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive at the after-school club with their teacher.

They quickly put their belongings away and explore the tabletop activities. Staff encourage children to write their name in the child register. Young children concentrate intently as they write their name and older children wait patiently for their turn.

Children are happy and show excitement at being at the after-school club. Children have strong bonds with their key person and seek them out to chat about their school day.Children settle into activities that captivate their interests.

For example, older children enthuse about doing word searches, when t...hey sit with friends and together try to find the words. Staff give children the space and time to build their construction models. Younger children happily play with older children and staff.

For instance, younger children set up the farm with staff, while older children ask if they can join in and play.Children are polite, kind and readily take turns with resources. Children use their imagination well and set up a café.

Children use the role-play food and menus and ask their friends what they want to eat. Children use their phonic skills to sound out letters and write the order on a note pad. Staff readily join in with these games and children enjoy making pretend tea and dinner.

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

The manager supports her staff team well. For instance, staff talk about being confident to bring any concerns to her. Staff receive regular supervision and training through an online system to help enhance their knowledge.

The manager works closely with the infant school staff and has regular meetings with the headteacher as part of the school's specialist 'attachment and trauma' initiative.Staff keep up to date with children's interests and this leads to meaningful conversations. For instance, children talk to staff about the film they watched in the cinema during the holiday.

Staff talk knowledgeably about the characters and this furthers the conversation.The manager and staff team create a calm space for children at the end of their school day. Children make their own choices and staff respect these decisions.

For instance, some children enjoy reading their school library book, while others choose to start their homework with friends. Children are confident and politely ask staff for their favourite game of 'Uno' and play with their friends.Staff provide children with a healthy snack at the after-school club.

Children enjoy cucumber, apples and pizza while they sit and talk to staff about school. For instance, children talk to their key person about being 'child of the week' and show excitement at the prospect of moving up to the next school class.Children enjoy playing in the outside area.

Staff supervise children as they climb large play equipment in the school playground and this helps to strengthen their muscles. Children request dolls and pushchairs in the outdoor area and staff help them carry role-play resources outside. Children create games and happily play with their friends.

The senior leadership team are regular visitors at the after-school club and children delight in spending time with them. For instance, older children seek out the operations manager and talk to her about their experiences of farms. Young children seek out the director and show him items they have built from construction toys.

The senior leaders have a clear vision for the after-school club as a place where children can enjoy their free time and make their own choices.Staff work closely with the school to support children's ongoing learning. For instance, staff plan craft activities that help children think about and make rainbows.

Staff help them think about the colours they might need, and they happily sing, 'I Can See a Rainbow' together as they colour paper rainbows.The partnership with parents is strong. Parents talk about the importance of the after-school club in supporting them and their children.

Parents speak about the importance of their children being safe and the trust they place in the staff team. Parents report they receive feedback from staff at the end of the session.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager understands her safeguarding responsibilities. Staff receive regular online safeguarding training. Staff are confident in the signs and symptoms of abuse that may indicate a child is at risk of harm.

They understand the referral process and report any concerns to the manager, which she reports directly to the designated safeguarding lead. Staff understand their role in the 'Prevent' duty guidance to keep children safe from radicalisation and extremist views. The senior leadership team are quick to make safeguarding policy updates and ensure that staff have up-to-date information.

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