Withymoor Stay and Play

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision does not meet requirements Although staff know the procedures to follow to safeguard children, they are not confident in their responses and need some support and prompting to convey the information when asked.

In addition, there is not a written safeguarding policy for them to refer to in order to refresh their knowledge. That said, effective steps are taken by staff to ensure that children play in a safe and secure environment. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club.

They actively share their ideas and what they would like to do, and staff listen and take on board children's views. Strong relationships between staff and children ...are apparent. Children enjoy sharing what they have been doing outside of club, and they take time to listen to what others have to say.

Children show through their behaviour that they feel safe and secure. Staff plan a variety of activities that children enjoy. Children show a gentle competitiveness and work well together during team games.

They enjoy being active. Staff plan a range of activities and experiences throughout the day that take account of children's interests and ideas. Older children encourage and support the younger children, and the manager takes time to ensure all children fully understand the rules and aims of the games.

Children show kindness and respect towards each other. They understand the importance of taking turns and sharing. Staff are positive role models.

They recognise that children try hard in all they do, and give them praise and encouragement.

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

Staff within the club work well together. The manager recognises the different skills and qualities his staff have.

They communicate well as a team, and regular staff meetings mean that all staff are kept informed about any new information. However, regular supervision meetings, to enable staff to discuss any practice issues or training opportunities, are not yet established. Furthermore, staff do not attend training to continue their professional development and to gain confidence in what they already know, especially with regard to safeguarding.

Relationships with teaching staff in the school are secure. Daily communication takes place during the school week. This ensures that club staff have an awareness of any themes or topics children are focusing on, such as learning about different cultural events and celebrations that are taking place throughout the year.

Staff use this information to help them plan activities for children that continue the school themes. This provides continuity in children's learning between school and the club. Messages between school and home are also relayed to parents when they collect their children.

Children follow clear hygiene routines and access the bathroom as they need to throughout the day. Staff encourage children to drink plenty of fresh water to remain hydrated. Children independently refill their water bottles as needed.

Staff work in partnership with parents to ensure that children enjoy healthy packed lunches. Mealtimes are very social occasions, and children and staff sit together to eat. This encourages lots of conversation and social interaction.

Children spend plenty of time outdoors in the fresh air. Large outdoor play areas provide children with opportunities to access climbing equipment and balance bars. There are basketball nets to enable children to hone their ball skills, and children also have access to the forest school area.

Children involve staff in the activities and seek support where needed. Staff and children cheer each other on when playing dodgeball. Children patiently wait for their turn, before carefully choosing when to run to avoid being hit on the leg with the ball by other children's carefully timed attempts to get them out.

Children enjoy using various art and craft materials to make their own pictures. Using a range of pens, pencils, crayons and felt-tip pens, they create their own Halloween pictures. They share their own plans for going 'trick or treating' with their parents, chatting about the costumes they will wear.

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in club and eagerly share their favourite things to do, including dodgeball, corner football and hockey. They learn how to play team games safely. For example, they know not to raise hockey sticks too high in case they hit someone and not the ball.

Older children are very caring and supportive of the younger ones, and shout words of encouragement when it is their turn to play.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager is knowledgeable and confident in his understanding of how to safeguard children.

However, although staff understand their role in protecting the children in their care and demonstrate some knowledge of safeguarding and the procedures to follow if they have a concern, they lack confidence when sharing what they know. The club does not have a written safeguarding policy. This is a requirement.

That said, the premises are safe and secure. Risk assessments are completed before children arrive each day. This enables staff to identify potential hazards and take steps to minimise them.

Children are not released into the care of unknown adults. Suitable recruitment procedures are in place and all relevant checks are completed for staff.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date implement a written safeguarding policy, which includes an explanation of the action to be taken where there are concerns about a child or if an allegation is made against a member of staff, and the use of mobile phones and cameras in the club 30/11/2023 support staff to undertake appropriate training and professional development opportunities, to further their knowledge and help them gain confidence in all aspects of their role, including safeguarding 30/11/2023 make sure that all staff receive regular supervision that provides support, coaching and training, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

30/11/2023

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