AJ’s Out Of School Childcare

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children experience the awe and wonder of the world when attending the club. Days are filled with experiences which will stay with them for a lifetime.

They ramble along countryside paths as they hold hands and chat with their partner for the walk. Children screech with laughter as they race across wildflower meadows and up hillocks, before running or rolling back down. Children gather wildflowers and make small bouquets for their friends and staff.

They identify buttercups, wild thistles, and lupins; information they have previously learned from staff. At other times, children explore local landmarks, build dens, go on wo...odland walks, and even go fishing. Children listen closely to staff instructions on how to stay safe.

Older children help those younger than them identify plants that could harm them, such as stinging nettles. The younger children explain how they already know how to identify and use a dock leaf if they do get stung. This demonstrates the real-world learning that takes place at the club, that prepares children for life in their community.

When not having adventures outside, children enjoy time to relax and play indoors. They sit with friends watching movies age-appropriate for limited periods. They have a wealth of traditional board games to compete against each other, and an extensive range of activities provided by staff.

Younger children happily role play, looking after dolls and making pretend food for them. Leaders at the setting take responsibility for working closely with the youngest children. Children build close bonds with these familiar staff which helps them feel safe.

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

The club owner has made significant improvements to address the actions from the previous inspection. A daily record of children's attendance is now consistently maintained, which helps promote children's safety. Recruitment and vetting procedures of staff are rigorous.

The owner now follows safer recruitment and ensures the suitability of staff, which helps protect children from possible harm.Children's learning from school, and other settings they attend, is complemented well by the club. Staff find out what children's developmental needs are and ensure that these are focused on in activities provided.

The impact of this is seen in the increased confidence and independence children develop. Additionally, it is notable that children's communication and language skill flourish due to the skilled support that staff provide.Children at the club are confident, independent, and skilled communicators.

Young children, after careful consideration, tell the inspector that they 'like playing with all their friends the best'. Older children explain about how their siblings are 'much kinder' when they are at the club together. They also talk about how staff are 'really kind and care about us'.

This typifies the culture of care and nurture that makes this club a success.Staff at the club regularly seek the views of children and parents. This ensures that they continually follow children's interests, to keep the club exciting and interesting for all.

Parents are particularly complimentary about the club. They say that their children 'get the joy' from coming to the club. Parents explain that their children settle in really quickly, that the staff genuinely care for the children, and that their children benefit from the extensive outdoor opportunities.

Staff express that they love working at the setting. They receive regular supervision meetings from the owner. These focus on their own well-being, the quality of their practice, and any training needs.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Since the previous inspection, all staff have received training to improve their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding. This means that staff now fully understand their roles and responsibilities in this area.

Staff can identify potential indicators of abuse and know who to report any concerns to. They know how to escalate concerns should the safeguarding leads at the setting fail to act appropriately. Staff are also clear on how to report concerns should an allegation be made against someone working with the children.

They have a detailed knowledge of other safeguarding matters such as radicalisation and extremism, domestic violence and abuse, and female genital mutilation. The setting owner, who is one of the designated safeguarding leads, regularly tests staff on their safeguarding knowledge and provides in-house briefings. This ensures staff knowledge remains secure and up to date.