Acorn ASC & Play Scheme

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff ensure children's safety and well-being when collecting them from school by accompanying them to the club in an organised and attentive manner. They regularly take headcounts and encourage children to walk in a line.

On arrival, children confidently follow established routines, such as independently storing their belongings. At the start of each session, staff clearly communicate the club's rules and the activities available. This helps children to feel informed, secure and ready to engage in their play.

Staff thoughtfully plan engaging indoor and outdoor environments and activities. They tailor these to children's a...ges and interests. Staff ensure that the premises are clean, hygienic and safe before children arrive.

Outdoor play is a priority, and children are free to choose to play outside in all weather conditions. They remain highly engaged in the activities throughout their time at the club.Staff develop strong relationships with children and are attentive to their individual care needs.

Younger children are supported by a key person, who regularly checks in with them. Staff consistently reinforce high expectations. For example, they remind children not to run indoors for safety and to wash their hands before meals.

There is a strong emphasis on promoting positive behaviour and helping children to understand and manage their emotions.

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

Staff promote children's independence within the club by encouraging them to follow familiar routines that support their self-care skills. For example, during mealtimes in the dining hall, children independently collect their plates, use cutlery with increasing confidence and clear away after themselves.

This fosters children's independence and a sense of responsibility. Staff position themselves well during these times to offer appropriate support to younger children.Outdoor play is a valued part of the daily routine.

Staff provide children with regular access to fresh air and a variety of physical activities. The well-equipped outdoor area includes stilts, balance beams, tyres, slides and obstacle courses, all designed to encourage active and cooperative play. These engaging activities help to develop children's strength, agility, coordination, balance, confidence and resilience.

Staff maintain strong communication with parents and carers. They share updates daily at collection time, including passing on any important messages from school. Parents also keep parents well informed about their children's experiences in the club.

Children demonstrate consistently positive behaviour. They listen well, follow instructions, play cooperatively and show respect for one another's views. This is supported by staff's kind and caring approach and strong role modelling.

Staff use specific praise to reinforce positive actions. For example, they celebrate children's confidence when they eagerly perform songs and dances for others.Staff plan activities which they know will interest children.

They ask children for their views and opinions on the activities they provide. Children know that staff will listen and act on their views.Staff consistently give children their full attention and actively engage them in meaningful conversations.

Children form strong and positive bonds with staff and their peers. This helps to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Children feel confident expressing their views, wishes and needs.

Many children say they enjoy attending the club because staff are kind and friendly, which makes them feel happy and comfortable.Managers and staff promote healthy attitudes and lifestyles through meaningful discussions and activities. They regularly check on children's well-being to ensure that they feel safe and supported.

There is a strong focus on healthy living. Children engage in physical activities and interactive tasks, such as sorting food and drinks. This helps them to make informed choices and build confidence in managing their own health.

Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents report that communication is excellent and they are well informed. Additionally, they state that their children love the club, often asking to stay longer.

Parents appreciate the club's flexibility and variety of activities.Staff state that they feel well supported and thoroughly enjoy working at the club. They value that managers consider their feedback.

Staff appreciate the training opportunities that support their professional development, which enables them to have a positive impact on children's experiences.

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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