Rocketeers

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club. They are excited when they arrive and are keen to join in with the fun activities the staff have planned for them. Children are eager to greet the staff and share with them what they have been doing in school and at home.

Children know that staff value their thoughts and opinions. Children are extremely well behaved. Staff have high expectations of them and are excellent role models.

Children know the club rules. They understand that they must always be kind and listen to the opinions of others. Older children nurture the younger children.

They beam with pride when... staff praise them for being so caring. Children demonstrate high levels of self-esteem.Children are motivated to take part in well-organised activities.

They enjoy playing card games with each other. Children share resources and take turns without being asked to do so. They become engrossed in their chosen activities and benefit from mixing with children of different ages.

Children have a very strong understanding of healthy lifestyles. They discuss the importance of eating the fruit and vegetables, which staff provide for them. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and plenty of exercise.

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

The leaders strive to provide a fun, safe environment for children to learn and play in. They support the staff to develop their skills through a wide range of training opportunities. Staff mention that leaders are thoughtful and supportive and ensure that staff's ideas for activities are implemented at the club.

Staff are committed to keeping children safe. They ensure that children's welfare is prioritised throughout the club. For example, staff operate a system so that children are always accounted for.

The club's collection policy ensures that children can only go home with an adult known to them. Leaders have a robust recruitment system in place and staff have an ongoing and in-depth safeguarding training schedule, so that they can identify the signs and symptoms of abuse. Staff know the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child's welfare.

The staff team are skilful at inspiring children to contribute to the programme of the club. Children provide ideas for future activities and have a say in the day-to-day programme. Staff use children's current interest to plan activities.

For example, older children are given the opportunity to have their own space and mix with children of a similar age. Children tell the inspector that 'We get to use the computers and play games with our friends.' Staff develop good professional partnerships with parents.

Parents are extremely positive about the club and their child's time there. Important information is shared with parents about a child's school day. Staff work closely with the school's head and class teachers.

This ensures that there is a continuity of care and learning. For example, staff have a 'homework table' where children can have support with their home learning. Staff listen to older children read and they read to the youngest children.

Children discuss what they have been learning in school and staff use this information for future planning.Leaders and staff have an inclusive attitude throughout the club. For example, staff maximise opportunities for those children who speak English as an additional language or have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

This approach allows all children to have full access to the clubs' activities. Children from other faiths and cultures have their special occasions celebrated in the club. This helps children develop a positive understanding and a meaningful respect of cultures other than their own.

A key strength of the club is the warm and positive interactions that children receive from the staff. Children demonstrate that they feel settled and relaxed. Staff sit supportively with the children and sensitively comfort those children who become upset.

Children are shown kindness and are given reassurance when needed. Children comment that the staff are so much 'fun' and are 'really good at playing cards'. Staff readily help children to create crafts to take home.

Children chatter excitedly, 'Can you look what I have made?' they exclaim.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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