Oakden Kids Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The provider and staff work hard to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for children.

They have high expectations for children's behaviour. Children respond positively to these expectations and behave very well. Children are respectful towards staff and each other.

All children access a wide range of resources and activities. They are encouraged to follow their own interests. For instance, girls and boys laugh as they play football, then create stories while playing together with a doll's house.

All children chat and play happily with each other. The inclusive atmosphere created by the staff and provider is at ...the heart of the club. Children are happy and confident.

They develop social skills that will support them in creating positive relationships in their future lives.Staff understand how to keep children safe. They focus on children learning how to keep themselves safe.

For example, staff talk to children about using the internet. Children remember and talk about their understanding of what they would not try to access while online. They know the routines they need to follow to keep themselves well.

Children wash their hands when they arrive at the club and before eating.

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

Children say attending the club is 'very, very fun'. They happily talk about the resources and activities they enjoy.

Children particularly like the cooking activities, arts and crafts and dancing. Staff understand that not all children have the same advantages. They provide activities children may not have the opportunity to take part in outside of the club.

Children gain a sense of achievement, for instance, during craft activities. They make dragonflies out of pegs and pipe cleaners. Children spend time drawing patterns and decorating their pegs.

They proudly talk about the patterns they have designed and the colours they have chosen. Children practise using their fingers as they make the wings. They concentrate for prolonged periods, becoming absorbed in what they are doing.

While children understand hygiene routines, the provider acknowledges she could strengthen opportunities for children to think further about making healthy choices. For example, there is scope to deepen their understanding of healthy fruits and vegetables.Staff are skilled at supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

All staff work at the school and children know them well. The provider ensures children who require additional support are cared for by the staff they know best and who work with them during the day. Staff work hard to provide continuity and support children's emotional well-being.

They are caring and good role models for children.Parents are happy with the club and the service provided. They describe the club as a 'lifeline'.

Parents highlight the good two-way flow of information. They praise the provider and how responsive she is to their needs. Parents say the staff particularly focus on keeping their children safe.

Staff say they have opportunity to enhance their professional skills and knowledge. They hold regular meetings and contribute their thoughts and ideas about how to develop activities. The provider holds one-to-one meetings with staff.

Staff say their training helps their work in the club. For example, they use training they have received in art therapy to support children's mental health.Children build on the skills they learn at school.

Staff encourage a wide range of discussions and conversations. They provide new words for children. For instance, younger children talk about the moon and are introduced to the word 'crescent'.

Children make up stories about a world of animals. Staff ask questions to help them develop their thoughts and ideas.Children enjoy playing outside.

They learn how to use equipment safely and listen carefully to instructions. Children understand the route they need to follow if they are using scooters so that other children can play safely. They show concern for each other.

Children ask if others are okay while they play.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff understand their duty to keep children safe.

They can recognise the signs and symptoms that may cause them concern about the welfare of a child. Staff are skilled in observing children as they play and listening for anything that may need them to ask appropriate questions or take action. They are clear on the procedures they need to follow.

Staff are confident in the steps to take if they have concerns about other professionals. They carry out regular risk assessments and make sure any hazards are quickly removed. The provider carries out relevant checks and ensures staff are suitable to work with children.

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