Apex Stomp Dance & Sports Holiday Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enjoy a wide range of activities and they are happy and keen to attend. Staff involve children when planning and ensure that activities meet their different interests.

Children form strong friendships and enjoy one another's company as they take part in activities, such as games, crafts and sports. This helps children to build on their social, physical and creative skills. Staff engage with children enthusiastically during meaningful conversations, listening to children's views and opinions.

Children are confident communicators. They feel safe and secure, and new children settle well with the support of staff. Chi...ldren behave well.

Staff set very clear expectations, which they uphold consistently. Children know the setting's rules well, for example, they know they need to ask permission from a trusted adult to leave the hall. Children are kind and respectful to one another and use toys and resources with care.

They play cooperatively with children of different ages, enjoying being active as they play fun team games, and climb on large inflatable equipment. Children play energetically indoors and outdoors and benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical exercise.

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

The manager and staff create a calm and relaxed environment.

They create particular areas for different activities, so that children are able to play without disruption from others. Children focus well on their chosen activity and complete it before moving on to others. Children respond well to familiar routines and develop good independence.

For instance, when playing with toys and using physical equipment, they take the responsibility to make sure they are put away again before leaving the hall.Staff provide lots of stimulating activities, that keep children motivated and engaged. For example, children concentrate for very long periods as they colour and draw pictures, play board games and make long chains and bracelets out of coloured elastic bands with their friends.

Children play well together, sharing and taking turns. Staff offer their praise and encouragement, which children find highly motivating.Staff promote healthy lifestyles effectively.

Children demonstrate a good understanding of washing their hands before mealtimes. They enjoy playing in the large hall and outdoors and have a good range of equipment and resources to choose from that challenge their physical skills effectively. Staff support children's understanding of being safe through age-appropriate discussions, reinforcing the learning gained at school.

Partnerships with parents are strong. Staff exchange information with parents daily, so that they are fully aware of their children's time at the setting and to provide continuity of care. Parents state that they are very happy with the care that their children receive, and their children are keen to attend.

The manager works in an effective partnership with several local schools and the host school. The manager gathers a good level of information from the schools about the children in their care. This is particularly valuable to ensure that children with additional needs receive the support they need to make good progress.

Parents comment on the good information sharing between the school and the setting.Children have good bonds with staff and are eager to discuss their school and home life with them. Staff are caring and attentive, and provide emotional support when needed.

New children and their families receive good support from the manager, who ensure they're invited to meet the staff and their child's key- person.The manager continually reflects on the provision and staff's practice to identify further areas for improvement. She observes staff regularly to help strengthen their practice.

Overall, the manager uses training opportunities effectively to enhance her own and staff's skills and knowledge. For instance, they have booked onto a training course to help support children's emotional needs even more effectively. Although she is aware of widening opportunities for staff to expand their professional development more precisely, so they can continually improve outcomes for children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager ensures staff have a clear understanding of safeguarding issues and how to respond to concerns about a child's welfare. Staff know how to identify and minimise risks in the environment.

They deploy themselves well and are vigilant when supervising children. They set clear rules and boundaries that help children to keep themselves and others safe. Appropriate policies and procedures are in place to ensure a strong safeguarding culture, including with regard to the use of mobile phones and cameras at the setting.

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