Shenfield Day Nursery Breakfast And After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The manager and her team provide children with a welcoming, bright, fun play environment. Staff take time getting to know the children before they attend.

They know what interests them, their likes and dislikes. Therefore, staff can provide stimulating activities that capture children's interests. Children are greeted from school by attentive, familiar staff.

The club meet in the school library and children look at books as they wait for their friends to arrive. Relevant information regarding the children is shared by the teachers, to the club staff on handover. Caring staff gently remind children to check they have all th...eir belongings before they take the short walk back to the club.

Children are excited to see their friends and quickly immerse themselves in their chosen activity. There is a sense of belonging, as children's art work and creations are displayed around the room. There is a relaxed and happy atmosphere throughout the session.

Even the very youngest children are confident and settled. An effective key-person system supports all children that may require reassurance.

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

The manager and staff team have established positive working relationships with the host school.

Effective communication takes place as necessary at the end of the school day when children are collected. This ensures continuity of care, and that relevant information is shared. For example, children that have demonstrated a keen interest in topics during the school day, can continue their learning and enjoyment at club.

Priority is given to ensure children's emotional well-being is supported. All children, including the very youngest, demonstrate they feel safe and secure. They are confident and are interested in the activities provided and move around with ease.

Children happily engage visitors to the setting in conversation. They ask lots of questions and show consideration and kindness as they make them 'friendship bracelets'.Parents were happy to talk with the inspector.

They comment on their complete gratitude for all aspects of the service provided and the care their children receive. They say they feel fully informed as to what their children do at the club as communication is good. Many comment on their appreciation for the nutritious, warm meals their children are offered.

Parents say staff communicate well with them and that their children are very happy to attend.The management team is very hands on and offers support to the team of staff ,who are fully aware of their role and responsibilities. Staff retention is good and they speak positively and say they feel valued and supported in their role.

They are positively encouraged to continue with their own professional development.Children spend time making models with magnetic construction toys. They work well together as they make 'a village' using small building bricks, and show sustained concentration as they negotiate their design and what has to happen next.

Children independently select toys. They invite staff to join their games and excitedly set out board games in preparation.The very youngest children are independent but seek help and reassurance when needed.

A quiet cosy area is also available should a young child want to relax after a busy day at school. Those that want to play outdoors can do so. They wrap up warm and join games of football in the fresh air.

They enjoy the freedom to run around but can also bring activities of their choice outdoors.Children's safety is paramount and daily risk assessments are completed. Staff are clear about their individual responsibility to protect children's welfare.

Completion of appropriate safeguarding training ensures they are fully up to date with current practice. Children are taught how to keep themselves and others safe, through activities and resources provided.Children thoroughly enjoy mealtimes.

They know to wash hands before choosing where to sit. They chat happily to their friends. They are encouraged to pour drinks and self-serve salad to accompany their meal.

Staff sit with them, engaging in conversations about the day at school.

Safeguarding

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

Also at this postcode