Acorns Club

Acorns Club Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, GRAVESEND, Kent, DA12 4LG

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 30 March 2016 10 August 2015

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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

 The management team has put in place very effective systems to help it reflect and evaluate on all aspects of the setting. It seeks the views of staff, parents and children to help develop and drive improvements to the provision.  Staff are well trained and able to effectively promote children's safety and well-being. Staff are up to date with safeguarding practice, know what to do if an allegation is made, and know what to do when concerned for a child's welfare.  Staff provide a welcoming environment and children enjoy exploring the different spaces and equipment available. For example, staff encourage children to use the outdoor space effectively to engage children in their play.  The children's behaviour is very good. Staff effectively promote children's awareness of what is expected of them. For example, children are involved in developing the club's rules and staff respect their views.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 At times, there are not always opportunities for children to make their own choices about their play. For example, staff do not always put out a wide range of resources and activities for children to see and choose from, especially those new to the setting.  On occasion, following the daily routines precisely interrupts the flow of children's activities. For example, some children become restless as they have to wait too long in the corridor for another room to be made available for them to have their snack.

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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

 develop further the opportunities for children to use their independence and make choices  consider how daily routines can be adapted further to ensure that the flow of children's play is not interrupted.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed the areas of the club used by children.  The inspector observed staff interacting with the children.  The inspector spoke to children and viewed the planning of activities.  The inspector took account of the views of parents, by talking to them and viewing their written feedback.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The management team is aware of its responsibilities; for example, it has effectively addressed all the actions and recommendation raised at the last inspection. For example, there is always someone with a valid first-aid certificate on site. It implements robust action plans to improve the provision. For example, it has updated all of the club's policies and procedures, and shares with parents effectively. The management team supports the manager and staff effectively; for example, it provides training and support to keep them up to date with current practice. Safeguarding is effective. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Staff regularly risk assess the premises and identify and minimise any potential risks to children. For example, staff and children wear high-visibility vests while outside in the playground so they can be easily seen.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The management team and staff have a strong commitment towards improving children's fun. For example, staff are encouraged to reflect and evaluate the activities they provide. Partnerships with schools that children attend are effective. Staff regularly inform parents about the activities their children participate in. They effectively share information so children can continue these activities at home. Staff encourage children to talk and share their ideas, and respectfully listens to their views. Staff help children while they play and encourage them to make friends. Children are given some opportunities to make choices. For example, staff encourage children to make healthy choices as they choose and pay for their snacks.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The environment is welcoming to both children and parents. Staff set high standards and expect children to take responsibility for their own behaviour. This helps create an atmosphere in which both staff and children treat each other with respect. The key-person system works well. Staff know the children well and treat them with care and affection. Children are happy, settled and confident as they move around the setting. Staff encourage children to be aware of their own safety, especially when playing with large equipment, and to be aware of the environment and safety of others. For example, emergency drills are completed, and before going to the park staff talk to children about the rules and how to keep themselves safe. Overall, children are fully supported by dedicated staff who ensure their individual needs are met. Children are included in all activities regardless of their age or ability.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 126961 Local authority Kent Inspection number 1025050 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 5 - 7 Total number of places 60 Number of children on roll 3 Name of provider Gravesham Community Leisure Limited Date of previous inspection 10 August 2015 Telephone number 01474 337 471

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Setting details

Acorns Club (Cascades) holiday club registered in 2000 and is situated in Gravesend, Kent. The holiday club operates from 7.45am to 6pm during school holidays only. There are 24 staff who work with the children; of these, one holds Qualified Teacher Status and six hold relevant childcare qualifications between level 2 and level 6.

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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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