Little Stones Before And After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are eager to enter this remarkable club. They know the routines very well and show a strong sense of belonging. Children help to devise rules for the club and remind one another what is expected of them.

They show excellent behaviour and demonstrate phenomenal attitudes towards their play. Children warmly welcome the inspector into their club. They make him a 'magical pizza' in the home corner and are keen to show him their artwork.

Children beam with delight as they play board games. They enjoy learning about aircraft and become fascinated while making flags from different countries. Children talk about topics th...at they are learning in school, such as space.

They articulately name the planets and talk about the first person to walk on the moon. Staff support children's creativity exceptionally well. They dance with children and encourage them to express themselves through drawing and painting.

Children show excellent small-muscle skills as they use scissors and thread beads. They talk about quantity and size while enacting roles of chefs. They discuss the value of money and talk about the properties of three-dimensional shapes.

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

The dedicated manager leads the club with passion and determination. Her vision to provide 'the best play experiences' is shared by her staff team. Self-evaluation is robust and includes the views of parents, staff and children.

Staff adopt a play programme that is built on information from parents, class teachers and what they already know about children. They use their knowledge of playwork to provide children with innovative play experiences. Children relish their time at this inspirational club.

Their laughter fills the air as they play ring games and they cheer each other on during sport activities.The support in place for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is superb. Staff go above and beyond to ensure children with SEND get the support that they need.

Intervention plans are shared with parents, external professionals and class teachers. Gaps in learning are skilfully addressed through the highly successful play programme. Children with SEND flourish in this exceptional club.

Staff report that the manager is 'brilliant'. Morale is high and effective systems are in place for staff supervision and appraisals. Leaders set staff challenging targets and these are monitored with precision.

A successful programme of professional development is in place and the manager cascades her knowledge of playwork to her staff team. Staff state that leaders give high priority to their well-being and are always there to offer guidance and support.Staff teach children incredibly well about the world that they live in.

Children relish learning about wildlife and are fascinated while caring for hedgehogs in the outdoor area. Staff teach children the different sounds that animals make and about their habitats. Children have a good understanding of what makes them unique.

They talk about how they differ in skin, hair and eye colour. Staff support differences and similarities well. They talk to children about different family units, celebrations and cultural traditions.

Children are respectful and tolerant individuals, who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.Partnership working is a golden thread of this club. Links with the host primary school are robust.

Parents speak highly of the club. They comment that their children are treated as 'individuals' and commend staff on their loving nature.Staff promote a love of reading to children.

They read to children and provide them with an array of books. Children thoroughly enjoy looking at books with their friends and have a go at decoding words. They write their own stories and enjoy enacting roles of characters.

Care practices are excellent. Staff support children's emotional well-being exceptionally well. They allow children plenty of time to settle at the club and get to know their likes and dislikes.

Children settle quickly and form secure bonds with staff and other children.Staff provide children with healthy and nutritious foods. They talk to children about the importance of keeping physically active.

Children have access to an abundance of fruit and talk about how it is grown. Staff ensure children have daily access to fresh air and take part in activities that will challenge their physical endurance.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager has a secure understanding of her role to keep children safe and protected from harm. She ensures that all staff attend child protection training, and she keeps abreast of changes in legislation. Robust recruitment and vetting procedures are in place.

All staff undergo stringent checks to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. Risk assessments are robust and all areas of the premises are safe and secure. Staff teach children how to keep themselves safe.

Children know the emergency evacuation procedures at the club and staff teach them about e-safety. Staff have a secure understanding of the possible signs and indicators of abuse and neglect. They are aware of cuckooing, witchcraft and forced marriages.

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