Helsby Link Club

Helsby Link Club Helsby Hillside School, Bates Lane, Helsby WA6 9LN

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Inspection date 12 November 2018 Previous inspection date 14 November 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires improvement 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

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The provision is good

n Children's safety has much improved since the last inspection, particularly during outdoor play. Staff have changed routines and introduced new procedures to ensure children are kept safe. n Some staff members work in the host school, including the provider who volunteers in the Reception class. This helps to build strong relationships as children are cared for by familiar adults who know them well. n Children of all ages play well together. They are well behaved and develop firm friendships with one another. One example of this, is when they say goodbye at the end of the session and give each other a 'backward cuddle'. n Interactions between staff and children are positive. Children comment that staff are kind and parents report that the club is safe and well run.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

n Staff supervision does not focus sharply enough on ways to motivate staff to raise the quality of practice to the highest levels. n Staff do not provide enough opportunities to promote and value each child's cultural identity in meaningful ways.

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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

n strengthen the supervision of staff so that they receive more incisive guidance on how to raise the quality of practice to the highest level n expand opportunities to promote and value the cultural identity of individual children.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the range of activities available and assessed the quality of interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke to staff and children. She held a meeting with the provider and looked at a range of documentation, including evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club. n The inspector spoke to some parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff risk assess areas used by children to make sure everywhere is safe. The manager and staff complete training to broaden their knowledge of child protection and wider safeguarding issues. They are clear about how to record and report any concerns about children's welfare. The provider makes use of an online out-of-school organisation for advice and support. She works alongside staff and holds regular team meetings to discuss practice. The provider carries out an annual survey to gather the views of parents and children. She takes on board any suggestions, such as introducing staff uniforms and name badges, so that staff can be easily identified.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff give priority to children making their own choices and decisions about how they spend their free time. They provide open storage units containing a range of resources that help to keep children entertained. Staff talk to parents to find out about children's interests when they first start. They engage well with children and support them at their chosen activity. Staff keep photographs and record observations of children's achievements in the 'big projects book'. This is useful to share with parents and gives children the opportunity to reflect on their experiences. Children enjoy stencilling and drawing, and they challenge each other to colouring competitions. They have use of some of the school's facilities, including the computer suite and the trim trail outside. Staff form good links with teachers. They find out about school topics and provide some activities that help children to consolidate their learning. For example, following Diwali,

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

children make their own geometric patterns using coloured rice.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

All children are very comfortable in their surroundings. Staff safely collect children from their classrooms. They remind children to be sensible and check they are paying attention when they walk across the playground to the hall. The visual timetable helps new children to settle in and become familiar with routines. Children know they must wash their hands before eating snack and staff check they have washed them properly, using soap. This helps to reduce the spread of germs. Staff offer a selection of healthy snacks. They sit with children in small groups and encourage social interaction. Staff promote positive behaviour. They display 'our rules' that remind children to be kind and respectful. The outdoor play area is now much safer due to new fencing and improved security at the gate. Staff reinforce safety rules and remain vigilant of children's whereabouts. Children know they must write their name on the board and wear a high-

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

visibility jacket before they play outside. Outdoor play is very popular with children. They enjoy organised group games, such as football and delight in playing outside in the dark.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY338901 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10079578 Type of provision Out-of-school day care

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 4 - 11 Total number of places 42 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Guinness, Marie

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 14 November 2016 Telephone number 01928 722 991

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reference number

Helsby Link Club registered in 2006. The club employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate qualifications, including one at level 2 and four at level 3. The club opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 7.45am until 9am and from 3.15pm until 6pm.

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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.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.

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