Swallowfield After School Club

Swallowfield After School Club Swallowfield Lower School, Weathercock Close, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8SL

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Inspection date 18 June 2019 Previous inspection date 7 December 2015

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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 Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Not Applicable

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This provision is good

n This is a strong provision, with some excellent aspects. The leadership and staff are well qualified and highly experienced. They work exceptionally well together and there is a shared commitment to improve the quality of the provision to the highest standard. n The provider has effective arrangements in place for staff training and professional development. Staff talk about the positive influence this has on their practice. For example, they have developed new ideas on how to implement risky play opportunities. Staff explain how this enables children to think of ways to keep themselves safe. n Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the welcoming and nurturing club. They readily use a 'worry box' to help them to express any concerns they have. Staff sensitively help children to learn to support each other. For example, they encourage them to share strategies they use to overcome worries, such as starting in new classes or schools.

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This provision is good

This has a highly positive impact on children's well-being and mental health. n Staff provide activities that are of great interest to children. As they hunt for stones buried in sand staff explain what archaeologists do. They encourage children to use books to gain more information. This supports children's learning at school effectively. n Partnership working is not as strong as it could be. For example, staff do not have the best possible links with children's teachers at school and parents' views on the club are not consistently sought.

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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 enhance the good partnership working with the host school further, to help build on children's skills and complement their learning to the fullest n find more effective ways of gaining the views of parents, to help develop the evaluations of the club to higher levels.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector looked at areas of the premises that are used by the club, including the outdoor area. n The inspector discussed the activities available with the provider and manager and observed activities indoors and outside. n The inspector held a meeting with the provider and manager. She looked at relevant documentation, including the suitability and qualifications of staff working in the club and a sample of policies and procedures. n The inspector took account of the views of parents and children spoken to at the time of the inspection.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. They are aware of the procedures for reporting concerns or allegations. Clear policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and understood by all staff. The staff team is well established and turnover is low. Nonetheless, rigorous recruitment and vetting procedures are in place. This helps to ensure that when new staff are required, they are thoroughly checked to ensure they are suitable to work with children. Staff's performance is closely monitored through peer observations and supervision meetings. They undertake regular training to help develop their knowledge and skills and this has a positive impact on their practice. Staff talk about how training on risky play has enabled them to widen the play opportunities available to children. For example, they have introduced children to woodwork activities using real tools.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff take time to find out about children's interests when they start to attend the club. This helps them to get to know them well. Children enjoy taking part in a range of craft and drawing activities. Staff encourage children to make their own creations and develop their own ideas. For example, children make observational drawings of toy dinosaurs and cut out pictures from magazines to make collages. Staff encourage children to practise using the skills they are learning at school, such as writing words to describe their pictures. Children engage in their chosen activity very well and remain motivated for significant amounts of time. Staff are aware that some children want relaxation after a busy day at school. There is good provision for children to relax and rest or read a book. Other children choose to explore outside, such as to look for minibeasts. Staff find magnifying pots so children can look at the minibeasts closely. Children handle the

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

insects carefully and choose to take them inside to use them for further observational drawings.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children's welfare and personal development is central to everything staff do. There is a very positive culture and welcoming atmosphere throughout the club. Children's behaviour is excellent. Staff use praise effectively to reinforce positive behaviour and good manners. Children's views are gained as part of the club's evaluation. For example, each day children are asked to give feedback on the activities and their experiences at the club. This deepens children's involvement, knowing their views are valued and acted on. Children learn the importance of being active and eating healthy food. They delight in spending time outdoors. Children are energetic as they engage in ball games, climbing and riding scooters. Their self-care and independence skills are nurtured through stringent hygiene procedures and snack-time routines. Parents' views about the club are highly positive. They say the staff are attentive, caring and look after children very well.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Parents say their children are excited to attend and are always highly engaged in activities when they arrive to pick them up.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY422911 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10106716 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care Age range of children 4 - 8 Total number of places 32 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person Tierney, Joanne Bernadette

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 7 December 2015 Telephone number 01908582101

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reference number

Swallowfield After School Club registered in 2011 and is located in Milton Keynes. It employs five members of childcare staff. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The club opens from Monday until Thursday in school term time, from 3.30pm to 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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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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T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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