Scotforth After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are cared for in a home-from-home environment where children and staff feel like part of a big, happy family. Parents comment that their children love attending. Children demonstrate this as they run up and give staff cuddles before they leave in the evening.

Relationships between the host school and the club are excellent. Information-sharing is detailed and precise. Some staff work both in the school and the club, and this helps children feel happy and safe in the club.

Staff place children's emotional well-being at the heart of everything they do. Children are incredibly calm and purposefully engaged in their p...lay. For example, they enjoy playing board games with their friends, while others choose to read books alone.

Children behave very well. They have opportunities to play outside and practise their physical skills. Staff support children to manage their own safety well.

For example, they remind children not to run indoors. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in this friendly club.

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

Children have an excellent understanding of the rules and expectations of the setting.

They work with staff to develop rules for the club and the use of the equipment. Children have a clear understanding of what is expected of them as a result of this. They respond swiftly when they are reminded of the rules.

For example, they do not run inside the club. All children demonstrate kindness and consideration for others. They behave very well.

Staff plan a stimulating play environment. There are a wide variety of resources available for children to develop their skills further. Children talk to staff about the activities that they would like to do the next time they attend the club.

Children record this in the planning diary and this is organised by the staff for them. For example, they request to make 'rocky road cakes' in a baking activity and model with junk. This allows the children to take ownership of their own learning and direct the activities that will interest them.

Staff encourage children to be independent and have a go when they encounter a difficulty, and praise children when they achieve their aim. Younger children thoroughly enjoy taking part in play dough activities. They remain engaged for a considerable length of time when making their cupcakes.

Children engage in meaningful conversations with staff. Staff listen carefully to what children are saying. They use skilful questioning to encourage children to express their thoughts and ideas and expand on conversations.

Children listen intently as staff read children stories with very good expression.Parents are highly complimentary of the nurturing staff team and the service they provide. Staff provide daily updates on the activities that children have undertaken at the club.

Parents say that their children really enjoy attending the club and that staff are wonderful. They remark on the 'special bonds' that children develop with the staff.Professional development is strong.

Staff say that they are very well supported. Newer members of staff value the support that they are given from other members of staff, as well as managers. Staff are encouraged to further their own qualifications and careers.

Robust supervision procedures help to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children and have a very strong understanding of their role.Children develop a strong understanding of how they can keep themselves healthy. Staff give clear messages to all children about healthy eating.

They provide fruit and vegetables for children to help themselves to as they eat wraps they have made. Children enjoy playing outside and engage in more energetic play as they join in with team games.The dedicated and passionate manager shares her vision for the club with the enthusiastic and committed staff team.

Together, they seek the views of parents and children when evaluating the success of the club and planning future changes.The manager has built effective and beneficial working relationships with the host school. She uses these professional partnerships to ensure continuity of care for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Regular communication and information sharing mean children's needs are swiftly met.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have an excellent understanding of how to protect children from harm.

They know how to identify and report their concerns about children to keep them safe. All staff attend regular training, as well as meetings, to ensure that their safeguarding knowledge is up to date. Staff make sure that the club is safe and well maintained.

They act swiftly to deal with hazards. The manager ensures that all staff are suitable to work with children. Good recruitment and induction procedures help staff to understand their roles in keeping children safe.

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