Little Acorns Before & After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children of all ages thoroughly enjoy their time at the club.

They enter happily and are eager to play with their friends and take part in the activities provided. Children are very familiar with the routines of the club, including those introduced to help keep children safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children independently sanitise their hand on arrival.

They understand they need to remain within their year groups while playing and eating in the school hall.Children eagerly anticipate the opportunity to access the appealing and exceptionally spacious outdoor play area. Children behave well and display a good level of i...ndependence.

While playing outdoors, older children are positive role models who show care and concern for younger pupils. They offer encouragement and praise to the youngest children as they strive to learn new skills, such as skipping.Children are very well supported by staff, who take time to sit and listen and to play games with them.

Children confidently share details of their time in school and talk about their plans for the evening. Snack time is unhurried and highly valued as an opportunity to build relationships and extends children's communication & language skills. Staff sit alongside children as they eat and expertly model conversational skills.

Staff are very mindful of newer or quieter members of the group. They skilfully encourage all children to join in with social interactions. Staff use what they know about the children to spark their interest, for example talking about trips and experiences, both within school and during their time at home.

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

The established staff team work well together. They are positive role models, who speak respectfully to children and to one another. Children are learning the importance of socially acceptable behaviour.

They are polite, sociable and understand they need to listen and take turns.Relationships are strong, parents and children have established a high level of trust in the caring and committed staff team. Parents are encouraged to share all relevant information before their child starts attending.

This, alongside the time staff spend getting to know each child, helps to ensure staff know the children very well.Key staff, who also work within the host school, provide a vital link, which supports a seamless transition as children move between the school and the club. Information from school staff about planned learning in school is used to enhance activities within the club.

Children benefit from a wide range of interesting activities. They make meaningful choices about how and where they spend their time. Children confidently seek out the inspector, to share details of what they like best about coming to the after-school club.

They talk about how much they like being able to play outside and having time to play with their friends. Children also comment on how much they enjoy their snack time and the craft activities they take part in.Children are learning about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

They have excellent opportunities to be physically active. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices about what they eat and are encouraged by staff to stay well hydrated. Outdoors, children independently access hoops, balls, skipping ropes and chalks.

They play with imagination, using large construction materials to make a boat. They use large chalks to draw lanes for running and design their own hopscotch.Staff benefit from ongoing coaching and support.

The manager recognises the pressures placed on the staff. She values the staff team and is proud of the support they offer to one another. Supported by her staff team, the manager continually reflects on the quality of the provision.

They are ever mindful of any impact from the COVID-19 pandemic and consider what they can do to help reduce any impact on both staff and children. For example, by placing a strong focus on supporting children's emotional well-being and providing greater opportunities for social interaction.Children who attend during school holidays enjoy a range of specially selected activities and events, which complements their time at the club.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager continually assesses staff knowledge and understanding, to ensure all staff are alert to possible indicators of abuse. Staff are confident in their ability to recognise and take appropriate action to help protect a child from possible harm.

This includes in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. Children's safety is assured through rigorous risk assessments and daily checks. The premises are secure, and children are well supervised by staff at all times.

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