Epping Primary Before And After School Care

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children greet the staff warmly.

They are happy and confident. They know and understand the rules and routines of the club, which complement the rules of their school. This continuity helps children to feel safe and secure.

Leaders and staff have high expectations of the children's behaviour. Children respond well to this and are respectful. For example, they talk about looking after the club's resources and listening to others when they speak.

Children are patient and willing to wait their turn. Older children are caring of younger ones and give help where they can. They understand the restrictions caused by COVI...D-19 (coronavirus) and they are happy to play in their peer 'bubbles'.

Children are independent. They clean their hands frequently and tidy their playthings away when requested.Children enjoy sports and competitive games outdoors every day.

They choose from a variety of fruit at snack time and drink water to keep themselves hydrated. Children are involved in the planning and evaluation of activities. They make suggestions and request additional resources, such as the newly acquired extra-long skipping rope, which they use to help develop their physical skills.

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

Children listen to staff and are eager to join in with activities. Children are confident to stand up and speak to the group. They show things they have made and talk about their time spent at home or at school.

Children enjoy being creative. They make cards for special occasions using lots of glitter and glue.Staff are sensitive to the needs of the children.

They are aware of the impact of COVID-19 and how it has affected some children's well-being. Staff have taken additional training in order to support children's mental health. They are caring and nurturing.

Their calming manner has helped children to regain their emotional stability and confidence. Parents praise staff for their gentleness with their children and the kindness and patience shown.Since the club re-opened during the pandemic, staff needed to work in a different way.

Children have been seated at individual tables for some activities. They have responded well to this and in a more positive way than was expected. Children report that the club, 'is the best in the area'.

Children develop excellent social skills as they learn to take turns with listening and speaking.Children enjoy a healthy snack and a cooked meal every day. Staff engage them in conversations about food.

They discuss their preferences and staff are skilled at persuading children to try something new. Staff adapt their menu as requested by parents. They speak to children about why it is important to make healthy choices.

Children are also looking forward to developing a vegetable patch in the garden where they can grow their own food to harvest and eat.Staff work exceptionally well together as a team and support one another well. They encourage children using frequent praise and acknowledgement.

Staff support children to remember how to keep themselves, and each other, safe. They supervise children well, including when they need to leave the room. Staff evaluate their practice daily and identify any improvements to be made.

Leaders and staff build good relationships with parents and professionals at the school. They keep them informed of children's activities through regular briefings and newsletters. Staff seek regular feedback from parents and children on the service they provide.

Parents say that staff are friendly, helpful and approachable. Other professionals praise the 'outstanding' communication and collaboration.Staff say how much they benefit from the excellent line management they receive.

Managers carry out regular supervision of staff and ensure they are happy in their roles. They support staff in their continuous professional development and provide a variety of training to strengthen and further their skills.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff receive regular training in all areas of safeguarding. This helps staff to feel confident in their ability to keep children safe. Staff understand the signs that could indicate that a child is at risk of harm.

They know the procedures to follow and where to report any concerns. Managers follow strict and robust recruitment and induction procedures. All staff are subject to appropriate background checks to ensure they remain suitable to work with children.

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