Monty’s Den

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children happily arrive at this friendly after-school club. Familiar staff collect children from their classrooms and escort them to the play area.

Staff work well alongside each other. Children demonstrate great respect for staff and understand the routines of the club. They listen carefully to instructions and are well behaved at all times.

The manager ensures that the club is well organised. Staff vary activities depending on the time of year and the weather to make the most of the space available. In the winter and on wet days, children play ball games in the large hall or take part in quieter activities in the play ro...om.

In the summer, children excitedly choose to play outdoors. Children have fun and eagerly join in with activities. They confidently talk about how much they love to play football with their friends.

They delight as staff join in their game. Children use their imagination as they play with toy diggers in the sand tray, learn new songs and practise balancing in the climbing area. They also enjoy quieter activities, such as colouring in pictures and building with construction toys, both of which are equally popular.

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

Staff promote healthy lifestyles. Children access a range of activities which helps to keep them physically active. Staff encourage children to sit in the shade to cool down after exercise.

They ensure that children have access to fresh water at all times. Staff provide children with healthy snacks. They take account of children's dietary needs, including those with allergies and religious beliefs.

Staff have good relationships with children. They have meaningful conversations, such as when staff ask children about their school day. Staff respond well to children's needs and give them one-to-one time when they need it.

Children report how the staff in the club are always kind and caring.Children develop good social skills. Staff encourage children to take part in activities where they need to share or take turns.

For example, children readily join in parachute games where they have to work cooperatively. Staff make snack times sociable. Children clearly enjoy having the time to sit together on a picnic blanket to talk to each other while they eat.

Staff ask children their opinions on what they would like do at the club. Children take part in a variety of activities. They excitedly practise their counting skills as part of a game on a play mat.

They develop their imagination as they make models out of building blocks. Children show high levels of concentration in their play.The manager ensures that the setting is inclusive for children and staff.

She strives to provide an environment where children can relax and feel comfortable after school. Staff take account of children's additional needs and promote a positive attitude to accepting differences.There are good links with staff in the school.

Staff ensure that there are efficient processes in place to collect relevant information from class teachers at the end of the school day. This helps to provide continuity of care to children and enables staff to pass on messages to parents. Staff work well with other professionals and they discuss how they can best support all children's well-being.

Parents are very happy with the service the club provides. They appreciate the friendly staff who know their children well. They report how their children are always smiling and happy in the club.

Parents are particularly pleased that their children are able to play with children of different ages.The manager completes regular observations of staff. She supports staff to enhance their skills through a range of regular training opportunities.

For example, all staff have completed effective teaching and learning training with the local authority. As a result of this, staff interactions with children are of a good quality and children are given relevant learning experiences.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager ensures that staff take part in regular safeguarding training, including information on witchcraft and breast ironing. Staff have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They are clear on how to record and report their concerns and when to contact the local safeguarding team for support.

Staff understand the whistle-blowing procedures within the club and are clear on how to report potential concerns about a colleague. Staff undertake daily risk assessments of the premises, including checking the outdoor area to ensure that it is safe and secure. They update registers throughout each session to ensure that staff know who is in the club at all times.

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