St Matthew's Link Club

St Matthew's Link Club St. Matthews Church Hall, Stretton Road, Stretton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 4NT

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 16 March 2016 29 November 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 Children are very happy and settled in the club. They arrive and quickly engage in self- chosen activities. They display good levels of involvement and concentration during both planned and freely chosen activities.  Children have access to a wide range of resources and activities to choose from both indoors and outdoors. They have good opportunities to follow their own interests.  Partnerships with the host school are very good. Staff discuss and share information with the class teachers about children's individual targets and next steps in learning. They use this information effectively when planning activities and learning experiences.  The provider and newly appointed manager are ambitious and regularly review the quality of their practice. They seek the views of parents, staff and children and use these when identifying future improvements.  Children behave well, support one another and take turns. Staff support children to

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This provision is good

develop the club's rules and encourage them to play cooperatively. They act as good role models and reinforce positive behaviour.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Occasionally, during activities and discussions, staff miss opportunities to further extend and build upon children's existing knowledge and learning from school.  Systems for professional development do not yet focus strongly enough on what can be done to improve the practice of individual staff.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 provide even more opportunities to build upon and extend children's existing knowledge and learning from school.  extend the systems in place for professional development to focus even more on raising the quality of staff practice.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector was given a tour of the areas used by the club.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector observed children involved in a range of activities both indoors and outdoors.  The inspector held a meeting with the provider and manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the club's self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of the club's child protection policies and how to promote children's safety and welfare. They complete risk assessments and practise evacuation procedures with children. Staff attend regular safeguarding training and discuss changes to guidance and legislation. They attend weekly team meetings which provide them with opportunities to discuss planning and share ideas. Supervisions and appraisals are used to discuss achievements and provide staff with support and guidance. The provider also uses peer observations to help monitor the quality of staff interactions. The views of staff and parents are regularly sought through questionnaires and included in the club's self-evaluation. Children attend council meetings and discuss things they like about the club and what they would like to change. This helps children to feel valued and provides them opportunities to share their

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

opinions and ideas. The provider has established effective links with the host school and uses information effectively to benefit children's experiences.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff are well qualified and communicate effectively with children. They provide good opportunities for discussion and encourage children to talk about and share their own experiences. Staff plan a wide range of interesting activities and use resources effectively to enhance children's play. Children enjoy taking part in various craft activities, mark making and drawing. They have lots of opportunities to engage in sports activities outdoors and play simple games. Staff support children's problem-solving skills and help them as they construct dens and tents in the outdoor area. They encourage children to investigate and explore while playing in the water tray. Children have opportunities to play imaginatively and staff engage in role-play activities alongside them. Staff observe younger children and keep records of their learning and development. They discuss next steps in learning with the school teachers and how they can support these further. This

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

helps to provide good continuity in children's care and learning.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The key-person system is effective and supports younger children to settle quickly in the club. Staff are kind, caring and understand children's needs well. They encourage parents and children to attend induction meetings before starting and this helps them to become familiar with the club's policies and routines. Children enjoy their time at the club and confidently talk about the things they like to do. They play well together and show a good understanding of the rules and boundaries. Staff discuss with children the rules of the club and welcome ideas from them when establishing these. They encourage children to share, take turns and participate in group activities. This helps to support children's social skills and friendships. Quiet spaces and areas for reading are provided for children. Children have access to the school facilities, including the use of the technology resources and the outdoor area. Children enjoy the healthy snacks on offer and independently prepare

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

snacks and serve themselves drinks. Children display a good understanding of hygiene routines and the importance of washing their hands before eating.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 315279 Local authority Warrington Inspection number 847683 Type of provision Out of school provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 3 - 11 Total number of places 50 Number of children on roll 78 Name of provider JK Link Clubs Limited Date of previous inspection 29 November 2011 Telephone number 07813803392

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Setting details

St Matthew's Link Club was registered in 1994. The club employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and the provider holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 7. The club opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 7.45am until 9am and from 3pm until 6pm. Additional sessions from 8am until 3pm are available during school holidays upon request.

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Setting details

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Setting details

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Setting details

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Setting details

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