Alpha Club@Eglinton Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children at this breakfast and after-school club are keen to share how much they enjoy attending. Staff build a friendly and nurturing relationship with all the children in their care. Children come together during regular 'table talks' to help plan for future sessions and what they have enjoyed previously.

This gives children a sense of ownership of the club. Staff have highly effective relationships with the school leadership team and children's class teachers. This helps them to support the children in their care extremely well.

This also provides continuity for children with special educational needs and/or disabilitie...s. Behaviour at the club is exemplary. Children are polite and they take their duties to help seriously.

Children set the tables for mealtimes and help tidy up as the session comes to an end.The club has an embedded routine that supports children's safety and well-being effectively. Staff know their roles well which ensures pick up after school and meal preparation run smoothly.

In addition to the regular routine, staff organise events, like a recent water-play session, to give children something to look forward to. Staff aim to ensure children have fun in a calm and welcoming environment. They listen to children, act on their suggestions and promote positive relationships.

This ensures this breakfast and after-school club is a place where children are happy, settled and having fun.

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

Staff ensure they effectively implement the club policies to provide specific support for children in the early years age range. The youngest children have an assigned key person who settles them in when they start and supports them to enjoy all the club has to offer.

This builds children's confidence and ensures they get the most from their time at the club.Children take on tasks from a rota which gives them a sense of responsibility. When younger children need help, they often ask one of the older children.

Throughout the session, older children show their younger peers how to do things, like knead play dough, shape cookies and put things in the right place during tidy-up time. Staff encourage this interaction to build children's confidence and leadership skills.Parents can access updates and other information on the setting's digital platform.

This system ensures essential information like emergency contacts, allergies or requests can be easily accessed by staff. Staff greet parents at drop-off and pick-up and share any updates. There is a clear record of attendance, accidents or injuries and other information that helps staff and leaders run an efficient service.

Staff plan a range of activities based on children's interests, 'table talk' discussions, and seasonal celebrations. They ensure there are opportunities for outdoor play, including games and free play to allow children to extend their physical skills after the school day. There are plenty of toys children can access independently including role play, construction and a home area.

Staff engage with children as they play to support positive behaviour and social interaction.Staff prepare a hot meal for children from a simple and nutritious menu. There are always fresh vegetables available, and children are encouraged to make healthy choices.

Children can access fresh water throughout the session and staff encourage them to stay hydrated. Allergies are catered for and there is always an alternative option to accommodate children's preferences.Children wash their hands before mealtimes and after playing outside.

They learn that this helps them to be healthy and prevent illness. Staff take good care of resources by teaching children to tidy things away safely and implement a good standard of hygiene. This helps children learn important life skills about keeping themselves and their belongings safe.

School leaders say they have a strong working relationship with staff at the club. They say teachers feel confident that staff at the club have the skills required to provide continuity for children throughout the day. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children and know how to promote their safety and protection.

Staff receive regular training and updates to ensure their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, whistleblowing and risk assessment remains current.

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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