Red Banana Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happy to the club.

They quickly settle to play with items of their choice. Several children choose to join in with the art and craft activities. They learn how to make a range of items linked to festivals, such as Chinese New Year.

Other children choose to read books, play with construction items or use their imaginations with dressing-up clothes. Staff members are good role models. They join in with their play and help younger children to successfully use scissors.

Children show that they have close relationships with the friendly staff. They talk about their school day and share their news. Child...ren feel secure and are confident to discuss their feelings with staff.

They listen attentively to children and provide opportunities for them to talk about any problems that they experience. This helps to support their emotional well-being. Children play very well together with all age groups and they are extremely well behaved.

They say that the club is very good and that they always have lots to do. Children have opportunities to rest or be as physically active as they wish. They particularly enjoy playing team games outdoors and have fun using the club's play equipment.

Staff provide guidance and encouragement when needed and always supervise children.

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

The provider and her staff work very well together. They continually evaluate the service that is provided to children and their families.

The provider works closely with the headteacher of the host school to implement changes as necessary. For example, a review about the collection of children from the club has had a positive impact. Parents no longer have to walk through the school to collect their children.

The club now has its own buzzer and a camera system near the club's entrance. This helps staff to ensure that collection times are managed safely and effectively.Staff know children very well and are very nurturing towards them.

They play alongside children and help them with tasks that they may find difficult. Staff provide reassurance as necessary and give lots of praise for their achievements. This contributes to children developing good levels of self-esteem and is evident in their exemplary behaviour.

Staff plan a range of activities indoors and outdoors for children, such as craft and ball games. They ensure creative materials are easily available for children to make items related to festivals. Children enjoy making these and concentrate on completing the tasks, such as making Chinese lanterns.

However, children's views for activities are not gathered as much as they could be, to help build on their own creativity, thoughts and ideas.Staff are very aware of children's dietary needs and prepare a variety of food choices. They work closely with parents to help ensure that health needs are met.

Children follow good hygiene routines and show that they are independent. They help themselves to fruit and choose fillings for their bagels at teatime.Staff help to build on what children learn at school.

For example, they encourage children to enjoy reading for pleasure and also finding out information. During craft activities, skilled staff ask children questions to help them think and respond. This helps to support their language skills.

They also support children's mathematical understanding, such as problem-solving, when they are making construction models.The provider and her staff work closely with other professionals in the host school. They gather detailed information from the school teachers about the children in their care.

This is particularly valuable to help ensure that there is consistency in supporting children's welfare.Parents speak highly about the staff and the care that they provide for their children. They say that the club is well organised and that their children enjoy attending.

Parents also say that they like the art and craft activities and the items their children bring home from the club.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff attend regular safeguarding training to help ensure that their knowledge is up to date.

They know how to recognise any signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. Staff understand wider issues of safeguarding and know how to report any concerns affecting children or adults caring for them. They provide messages to children about keeping safe at home, such as when they are playing computer games.

Staff safely collect children from their classrooms. They have good systems in place to help them to know when children are attending after-school activities. For instance, staff ensure that they are safely escorted to the club.

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