Whickham PlayZone Ltd

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time in this exceptionally welcoming and stimulating environment.

Staff greet children with warm, friendly smiles, and ask how their day at school has been. This helps children to feel safe and secure, and builds on their self-esteem and feelings of being valued. Staff talk to the different teachers when they collect children.

This enables any necessary information to be passed to staff and onwards to parents.Children relish the opportunities the outdoor spaces give them to be physically active in the fresh air. They giggle with delight as they go down the slide.

Children work out i...f they lie down and slightly raise their legs this makes them go faster. They concentrate intently as they play basketball, determined to make the ball go through the hoop. Children's behaviour is excellent.

Children of all ages show exceptionally high levels of respect for each other. For example, they know to wait for their turn on the slide and not to use the slide until it is free. Children join together as a large group to play a game where they run across the tarmac.

Older children ensure that younger children are fully involved in this game. They run at a speed which younger children can keep up with. Children are careful to manoeuvre themselves within the space to prevent bumps and accidents.

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

Children know they will have their snack as soon as they come into the club from school. They prepare for this by hanging up their bags and coats and sanitising their hands before sitting down. Children have a choice of foods to choose from and staff change the menu on a daily basis.

Staff are innovative as they help the children to practise the skills which they need to develop. For example, to help children to develop their writing and tell the time, they encourage children to sign and put the time on the register as they enter and leave the setting.Staff consider children's individual needs and interests when planning the activities.

They work together to share information and plan activities that children will enjoy and become deeply involved in.Older children show an interest in younger children and ensure that all children are involved in discussions. Younger children animatedly respond to conversations, smiling in delight at this attention.

Children demonstrate high levels of emotional well-being and a strong sense of belonging. They know they can access any of the activities available and staff are there to help should children encounter any problems. For example, staff and younger children work together to cut tape.

Staff are exceptionally kind and caring towards the children. Staff help children to be safe and secure in the club. For example, staff monitor the number of children throughout the sessions.

They meticulously complete the register as children arrive and leave.Parents are exceptionally complimentary about the service which the club provides. In particular, they comment on the wide range of activities which their children take part in.

Parents appreciate how staff enable communications to be passed on from the school. They value the opportunities children have to extend the friendship groups they make in school.Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is excellent.

The manager and staff work in partnership with parents and the school to ensure that children and families get the help and support they need.The manager consistently reflects on the effectiveness of the club. She has high ambitions to continually provide a wide range of opportunities for all children who attend.

The manager and staff take account of children's views, interests and suggestions. For example, staff and children are putting plans in place for further developments of the outdoor area.Staff teach children to keep themselves safe when using the internet.

For example, children discuss with the inspector how they are allowed to play certain games and that these games are appropriate for their ages.Professional development is strong. Staff speak very highly of the support that they receive from the manager.

The manager implements systems to ensure staff's well-being is consistently supported. Staff say they feel valued and enjoy working at the club.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have a good understanding of how to protect children from harm. They know how to identify and report any concerns about children to keep them safe. All staff attend regular training, alongside meetings, to keep their safeguarding knowledge up to date.

Staff make sure that the setting is safe and well maintained. The manager ensures that all staff are suitable to work with children. Effective recruitment and induction procedures help staff to understand their roles in keeping children safe.