Mighty Oaks Out of School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy attending this welcoming club. They are warmly greeted by staff, who collect them at the end of the school day. Staff routinely ask about children's experiences at school and listen intently as children excitedly share their news.

Children benefit from close relationships with staff. They are happy, settled and secure in this friendly provision. Children have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

They know that they must wear high-visibility jackets when walking from school to the club. They listen carefully and follow the instructions from staff, who support them to cross roads safely. Older ...children are observed to kindly remind their younger friends of the expectations when walking back from school.

Children behave well. They demonstrate a good understanding of routine and what is expected of them. For example, they quickly put away their coats and belongings in the cloakroom.

Children are supported to develop their independence skills. They manage their self-care needs successfully and tidy away their plates and cups after snack time. Children understand that when they have finished playing with resources, they must put them away ready for their friends to enjoy.

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

Children make their own decisions about how they spend their time at the club after a busy day at school. They have plenty of space to move around and explore safely. Resources and the environment are well organised.

Staff carefully ensure that equipment reflects children's individual interests.Children play well together. Older children support their younger friends to build a train track and construct a tower of wooden blocks.

Children are beginning to develop positive friendships as they listen to each other's ideas and suggestions. They continuously use good manners and are kind and polite.Children learn about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.

They are offered healthy and nutritious snacks and talk about the importance of food and drink in moderation. For example, children know that they are allowed two small cups of juice and that they must then drink water. They talk about water being 'good for their brains' and how fruits and vegetables make them strong.

Children learn about difference and diversity and their place within society. For example, children talk about the recent Christmas celebrations but recognise that not all of their friends celebrate in the same way. They openly discuss some of their friends' unique needs, demonstrating a strong awareness of others.

This supports children well for life in modern Britain.Club staff build successful relationships with staff from the local schools that children attend. They ensure important messages are given to parents, ensuring a successful flow of communication.

Staff find out what children are learning at school, so that they can complement this within activities and discussions at the club. Furthermore, children are able to complete their homework should they wish, with the support of club staff.Leaders gather regular feedback from staff, children and parents.

They carefully consider this feedback to help evaluate the club and to plan for ongoing improvements. For example, recent changes have been made to the types of activities provided for children. This means that children are more engaged and focused as they use resources appropriate for their age and play in their year groups on dedicated levels of the club.

Staff feel well supported in their role and enjoy being part of the team. They engage in mandatory training and attend online training events, when appropriate. Leaders support staff informally as they work alongside staff on a day-to-day basis.

However, they recognise that methods of developing staff performance are not always thorough enough, to provide staff with detailed feedback to support their professional development further.Staff share relevant information with parents, when they collect their children. Parents report that their children are happy at the club and thoroughly enjoy attending.

They describe how staff are friendly and approachable and how they appreciate the flexibility when booking sessions.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff understand their role to support children's well-being at all times.

They describe the signs and symptoms that may indicate possible abuse. They competently explain the procedures to follow in order to act on any concerns they may have regarding children's welfare. Furthermore, they understand the action to take if they have concerns about other members of the staff team.

Staff ensure children are safe and secure in the club as they play. They complete daily registers and deploy themselves well to ensure that children are always closely supervised. Staff attend regular training sessions to ensure that their safeguarding knowledge remains up to date.