Mulberry After School Club

Inspection of Mulberry After School Club Widcombe Infant School, Archway Street, Bath, Somerset BA2 4JG

p.1

This provision does not meet requirements

The provider and staff, including those with lead safeguarding roles, do not have a clear enough understanding and knowledge of some of their safeguarding responsibilities. Consequently, children's welfare and safety are compromised.

p.2

This provision does not meet requirements

Children arrive happily at the club and show excitement as they choose from a range of activities on offer. Staff take time to talk to children about their day at school. They develop secure relationships with children at the club. Children openly talk to staff about how they are feeling. For example, staff listen attentively and offer support to children when they talk about emotional events.

p.2

This provision does not meet requirements

Staff are good role models and have high expectations for children's behaviour. Children play well together and have positive attitudes to their play and learning. They learn to respect each other and follow the club's rules.

p.2

This provision does not meet requirements

Staff utilise the outdoor environment well to provide children with a variety of stimulating resources and activities to promote their interests and learning. Staff ensure children have space to be active and play, as well as areas for children to relax in with friends.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider does not meet all statutory requirements of registration. The designated safeguarding lead does not have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the correct procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a member of staff. n Staff demonstrate a good understanding of how to support younger children when they first start at the setting. Leaders work closely with parents and teachers to ensure children settle into the club quickly and they feel safe and secure. n Children enjoy taking part in the activities provided by the staff and work well together. For example, children giggle with excitement as they complete the outdoor obstacle course. They take it in turns to climb over tyres and move around the coloured cones. n Children show determination as they learn to play a variety of ball games. Staff offer children encouragement and praise them for having a go and using the different sports equipment on offer.

p.2

need to do better?

n Parent partnerships are good. Parents comment that their children never want to leave the club when it is time to go home. Staff work in close partnership with the school to ensure continuity of care for children is a high priority. n Staff boost children's self-esteem and confidence as they actively engage in their

p.2

need to do better?

25 June 2021 play and learning. Staff enthusiastically join in with the children's games. For example, they form teams with the children and take it in turns to play each other in a number of sports matches. n The manager has regular supervision meetings with staff to monitor their performance. Recent training has helped staff understand and support children's mental health and the impact this has on children's overall development. n Due to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, parents are unable to enter the out-of-school club provision. Staff use verbal and written communications with parents to ensure information is shared effectively.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff complete regular safeguarding training to understand possible signs and symptoms that may cause concern about children's welfare. Although the designated safeguarding lead has attended mandatory safeguarding training, she and the provider do not have a thorough enough understanding of the procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a member of staff. Therefore, they are unable to take the steps necessary to ensure children are kept safe. Staff use risk assessments to ensure children can play in a safe environment. The premises are secure so that children cannot leave unsupervised and unwanted visitors cannot gain access. Managers use effective safer recruitment processes to ensure all staff are suitable to work with children.

p.3

Due date

improve knowledge and understanding of the correct procedures to follow should an allegation be made against a member of staff. 28/06/2021

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2508012 Local authority Bath and North East Somerset Council Inspection number 10194456 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 15 Number of children on roll 30 Name of registered person Skool Kidz Childcare Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01225 339843 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Mulberry After School Club was registered in 2018. It operates from within Widcombe Infant School, Bath. The club is open Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5.30pm during term time. There are four members of staff, including the manager. All staff hold appropriate childcare qualifications which range from level 2 to level 5.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed staff and children's interactions outdoors. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as the setting's safeguarding procedures and evidence of the suitability of staff working at the club. n The inspector spoke with children, staff and the managers of the club at appropriate times throughout the inspection n The inspector held a discussion with the provider on the telephone. n The inspector viewed all areas of the premises used by the children.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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.5

Inspection activities

25 June 2021 regulates and inspects to 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.5

Inspection activities

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.6

Inspection activities

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.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6