The Castle Club

The Castle Club Someries Infant School, Wigmore Lane, Luton, LU2 8AH

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 4 October 2017 28 November 2012

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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

 Staff have a good understanding of the meaning of out-of-school care. They create a welcoming environment where children can relax and develop social skills as they interact with others. Staff balance this well with opportunities for children to participate in a variety of indoor activities that supports their learning.  The manager makes good use of her qualification. She supervises staff well and aids them in understanding how children develop and learn as they play. This enables staff to interact with children and offer them appropriate support.  Staff work well with parents so that they understand the needs of children and their families. Parents report that they appreciate the safe environment created by the caring, approachable staff.  Children learn to listen, consider the views of others and make decisions together. For example, they meet to discuss possible new toys and resources and decide which are

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This provision is good

the most appropriate.  Staff make good use of any new knowledge from training. They now offer children additional craft activities that support them in expressing their ideas and developing their creativity.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not use outdoor areas as well as they could to fully enhance the enjoyment of children who prefer to play outside and to support them in extending their interests.  Staff do not consistently make good use of daily opportunities to support children in developing their understanding of the relevance of healthy choices and practices.

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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

 extend the use of outdoor areas to offer children who prefer to play outside further opportunities that enhance their enjoyment and enable them to extend their interests  enhance the daily opportunities that enable children to build their understanding of the relevance of healthy practices and choices.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities indoors and outside. She talked with staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector reviewed an activity with the club manager.  The inspector held meetings with the club manager, who is also the nominated person. She met with the headteacher of the school, who is also a member of the voluntary management committee. The inspector looked at relevant documentation, discussed the club's self-evaluation and saw evidence of the suitability of staff and committee members.  The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The management committee and staff work well together. Their improved self-evaluation procedures enable them to gather feedback from parents and children and to make pertinent changes. For example, the purchase of additional indoor resources, such as a table football game, offers children further opportunities to enjoy their leisure time and interact with their friends. Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff attend training in order to maintain a good knowledge of local and national policies and initiatives. They understand the issues that could threaten a child's welfare and know how to report any concerns to the relevant agency. Additionally, there are effective procedures to ensure that the club is secure and staff are suitable to work with children.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff frequently meet with children's school teachers to share their observations and assessments of children. This enables them all to build a through picture of children's progress and to tailor the support and activities they offer. Children develop their communication skills as they eagerly participate in discussions with staff and other children. Staff know the children well and support them so that they are able to follow the conversation and express their views. This particularly supports children who speak English as an additional language. Staff interact well with children and help them to extend their play. For example, children playing with model dinosaurs eagerly remember the names of each one and compare the different sizes. Children gain skills that support their formal learning. For example, when playing with a car track, children readily take turns and develop their understanding of mathematics as they count down to start the

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

cars and compare the speed of each car. Children enjoy using computer programs at the club. Staff use this as an opportunity to help children understand how to keep themselves safe when using the internet.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff obtain clear information from parents so that they understand children's needs. They make good use of the key-person system in order to work in partnership with children's teachers. For example, they know what children are working on in school and offer resources and activities that support children's formal learning. Staff support children in building their practical skills. For example, children learn to take responsibility for their belongings as they hang these on pegs and collect them independently as they leave. Children engage in activities that promote their physical development. For example, they learn to stretch, balance and climb as they use the large play equipment. Staff talk with children about their behaviour and help them understand how to manage this. Through discussions and schemes, such as the 'I'm a star' cards, children have opportunities to share their learning and achievements. These thoughtful procedures help build children's

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

confidence and the positive approaches that support them in school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY367998 Local authority Luton Inspection number 1059782 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 4 - 11 Total number of places 35 Number of children on roll 75 Name of registered person The Castle Club Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 28 November 2012 Telephone number 07961026042 or 01582414545

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reference number

The Castle Club registered in 2008. The club is run by a voluntary management committee and employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The club opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 7.45am until 8.50am and from 3.15pm until 5pm. The club provides care for children who speak English as an additional language.

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reference number

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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reference number

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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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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