Pioneer Childcare - Brackenbury

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children have fun and enjoy their time in this friendly club. Staff welcome children by name when they arrive, ask about their day and how they are feeling. Children know the routines and quickly put away their coats and bags.

They chat happily to staff, find their friends and choose their own play. Children are motivated by the activities on offer, such as drawing, doll play or construction. They tell visitors 'the club is fun' and they 'like drawing with their friends'.

Children of all ages, and from different schools, play well together. For example, the youngest children are fully included in an outdoor football game. ...Older children explain the rules of play to help them take turns and join in.

Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from additional staff support, so that they can access all activities. Children are encouraged to be creative in the daily 'theme' activity. For example, children spend some time making Christmas trees.

They draw and cut out their own designs and choose how to decorate them from the good range of resources. Children are eager to show their finished creations to staff, who show genuine interest in their achievements. This helps to support children's good self-esteem.

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

In the welcome meeting, after all children have arrived, they learn to be part of the group and listen to others. The manager reminds children of the rules. Children explain these to others and generally behave well.

Staff promote positive behaviour and use rewards to encourage children to be thoughtful and kind to their friends. For example, they give stickers to children when they hold doors open and when they walk sensibly from school.Staff help children to be healthy.

Children enjoy a healthy tea that always includes fruit and vegetables. Staff are fully aware of children's allergies and dietary needs and ensure these are met, for example, by providing alternative gluten-free food. Children are independent and follow good hygiene practices, including handwashing when needed.

Children can be active or relax quietly if they prefer. For example, there are a good variety of books provided for those children who like to read. After tea, staff clear space in the hall so that children can join in exciting, active games.

At times, children are less engaged because staff are doing routine tasks. Managers plan to reduce this and allow staff to focus on the children as much as possible.The manager and staff speak to parents before children start at the club, to find out what their children enjoy doing, their likes and dislikes.

Staff form good relationships with children. They plan activities that are matched to children's interests and that they know children will enjoy. This helps new children settle quickly.

Parents are complimentary about the club. They say the manager and staff are very approachable and their children love attending. Parents appreciate the convenience of the club and the safe space it provides for their children after school.

The manager talks to parents each day to give feedback about children's activities and pass on any messages from school. This helps to promote continuity in care.The club is a valued part of the host-school community.

Children benefit from the strong links with the school and the other school that some children attend. Staff work in partnership with colleagues at the schools to share information about the health and welfare of children in their care. Staff give children extra attention if they have had a difficult day at school.

Staff benefit from a basic induction when they start. This includes training, such as food hygiene, to help them keep children safe. However, managers do not always make the best use of supervision processes to help staff improve their practice.

The area manager plans to provide more ongoing support for the manager and staff, some of who are fairly new. This will help them have more confidence in their roles and provide an even better experience for the children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Managers ensure all staff receive regular training about first aid and safeguarding. Staff know what to do in a medical emergency. They confidently identify the possible indicators of child abuse and know what to do should they have any concerns about a child's welfare or the conduct of a colleague.

Pioneer managers follow good recruitment processes that help to assure the suitability of adults working with children. Staff remind children at the welcome meeting each day who they can go to for help and what to do in case of fire. The premises are safe and well maintained.

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