William Morris Middle School

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

p.1

Inspection date 29 August 2018 Previous inspection date 30 March 2016

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Not Applicable

p.1

The provision is good

n Strong leadership places great emphasis on providing staff with ongoing support to help them to continue to maintain the good-quality provision. Staff attend regular training to build on their skills and extend their knowledge further. Effective systems are embedded to monitor the quality of staff practice and performance. This supports them to continue to meet all children's needs. n Leaders follow safeguarding procedures to ensure that children are fully safeguarded. Staff are alert to the signs that may indicate that a child is at risk of abuse. There are clear club procedures in place and staff know how to respond to any concerns about children's welfare. n Staff know the children well. They take account of children's requests and interests, and provide a wide range of activities that children enjoy. This helps the children stay enthusiastic and motivated in their play. n Staff praise children for their achievements and efforts, which helps to raise children's

p.1

The provision is good

confidence and self-esteem. Children receive successful support to increase their skills and have lots of fun.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

n Staff occasionally complete tasks for the children that they are capable of doing for themselves. n Handwashing is not always monitored effectively enough to make sure this practice is naturally embedded into routines.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

n make the most of opportunities to encourage children to do things for themselves where they are capable of this n extend children's understanding of hygiene routines even further.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and children's activities and experiences. n The inspector held conversations with the manager, staff and children throughout the inspection. n The inspector checked evidence of staff suitability checks and their qualifications, and sampled relevant policies and procedures. n The inspector took into account the views of the parents during the inspection. n The inspector invited the club manager to undertake a joint observation with her and, together, they evaluated the observation.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The manager regularly evaluates the club environment and play opportunities. For example, she carries out regular observations, and seeks the views of parents, staff and children to identify aspects of the provision to develop further. Mealtimes have been effectively enhanced and children make the most of opportunities to extend on their social skills. The changes made help to keep children motivated during their time at the club. Safeguarding is effective. High priority is given to keeping children safe within the club, as it is based in a public facility. Staff deploy themselves well. They are vigilant and implement effective procedures and risk assessments to protect children from harm and maintain a safe environment.

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff plan a wide range of stimulating experiences that engages children in their play. They listen to children's opinions and allow them to make choices about which activities they take part in. For instance, children enjoy creative activities, groups games and different experiences, such as live animal handling workshops. Children are excited and inspired by the opportunities that they have at the club and staff effectively follow their lead. Staff successfully adapt activities to meet the needs of the wide age range of children who attend. Children imaginatively create animals and proudly show staff what they have made. Staff encourage children's physical skills well. For example, children have daily opportunities to swim, explore large equipment, such as trampolines and inflatables, and take part in competitive games. Staff actively get involved with children's play, which supports them to stay engaged and interested in the activities. Partnerships

p.3

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

with parents are good. Staff and parents share information about activities and routines in which the children take part. This supports children's continuity of care.

p.3

Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children demonstrate a clear understanding of the club rules and their behaviour is generally good. All children are encouraged to be polite and have a good understanding of sharing and taking turns. Staff help support children with their growing awareness of healthy eating. For example, during snack and mealtimes the children engage in conversations about healthy food choices. They enjoy reflective discussions about their own personal experiences and explore how they differ from one another. Children of all ages are happy and confident, supported by their very good relationships with staff.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 126961 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10063860 Type of provision Out-of-school day care

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 5 - 12 Total number of places 60 Number of children on roll 49 Name of registered person Gravesham Community Leisure Limited

p.4

reference number

Date of previous inspection 30 March 2016 Telephone number 01474 337 471

p.4

reference number

Acorns 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 29 staff who work with the children; of these, three hold qualified teacher status and 12 hold relevant childcare qualifications between level 2 and level 6.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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.

p.4

reference number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

reference number

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.5

reference number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: www.ofsted.gov.uk/user .

p.5

reference number

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

p.5