Paintbox After School

Inspection of Paintbox After School Carlton House, The Mount, Heswall, Wirral CH60 4RG

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This provision meets requirements

Children are safe and secure at this homely and good quality club. As they arrive after a busy day in school, the air is filled with their chatter and with a buzz of excitement. The provider ensured that the club remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to support children and their families. Routines have been adapted, such as parents not going into the setting as they usually would. Children show resilience and take changes in their stride. An effective key-person system helps children to settle. Staff are good role models for children and build nurturing bonds with them.

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This provision meets requirements

Children have positive attitudes towards their play and engage well in their chosen activities. There are many opportunities for them to develop their creative skills at the craft table. Children use paintbrushes and felt tips to make artwork, such as detailed paintings of fields and sheep. They follow their own ideas to draw a 'house', and then make this model using construction blocks. Children play with dolls and tell the inspector that 'they are not real, they are plastic'. Outdoors, children demonstrate excellent physical skills and coordination as they play football together and use skipping ropes.

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need to do better?

n Leaders explain their dedication to provide a 'secure and stimulating environment', where children can 'find happiness and safely develop their individual potential'. They identify ways to further improve, such as by enhancing the professional development of staff. Leaders include the views of children, parents, and staff in the self-evaluation of the club. n Staff provide children with experiences that complement their learning in school. For example, children practise their counting skills while playing hide and seek outdoors. They use bright colours to decorate pictures of fireworks, ready for Bonfire Night. Staff support children to use tools, such as scissors, safely and successfully. n Children learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others. For example, staff encourage children to use their home languages in the club, which helps them to feel included and valued. Children teach others how to

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need to do better?

count in different languages. They learn about cultures and discuss the make-up of different families. This helps to prepare children for life in the diverse society in which they live. n Care routines are effective. Staff encourage children to challenge themselves through opportunities for physically active play. For example, many children choose to spend most of their time playing outdoors, and trips to the park are frequent. Children eat a variety of healthy foods and pour their own water. Staff

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need to do better?

2 November 2021 encourage them to be increasingly independent in their care needs, such as when putting on their own coats. n Overall, children show good behaviour. They are curious about visitors. For example, children approach the inspector and ask what his name is, and why he is there. They say that they like to 'play with friends and make new friends' while at the club. Older children, sometimes, play with younger children to 'take care of them'. However, on occasion, some older children become overexcited, which sometimes disrupts younger children as they play. n The club is an important part of the local community, and has been for many years. Links with the school that children attend support children's continuity of care, during the settling-in period and throughout their time at the club. Parents cannot praise the club highly enough. They say that their children 'love it' and that their 'confidence has grown so much'. Parents comment that the staff are

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need to do better?

very much 'part of the family' and are 'warm and nurturing'. Parents value the communication which keeps them well informed about their children's time at the club. n Staff morale is high, and the team is long established. Staff report that they work together very well in a close-knit team. They say that they have 'great joy' by coming to work. The well-being of staff is important to leaders, who provide staff with effective support, in and out of work.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The premises are safe and secure. Legal ratios are adhered to, and staff are well deployed to supervise children effectively. Ongoing risk assessments help leaders check that children are safe while at the club and during trips. Robust recruitment procedures ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. Staff have up-to- date training in first aid and safeguarding. They know how to keep children protected from harm. Staff understand what to do, should they have concerns about children's welfare or a colleague's conduct. They have a broad understanding of safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation and county lines.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY236119 Local authority Wirral Inspection number 10212640 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

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inspection

Total number of places 49 Number of children on roll 121 Name of registered person Paintbox Activities Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07881531657 Date of previous inspection 19 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Paintbox After School registered in 2002. The club employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold early years qualifications at level 2 or above. During term time, the club opens Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 9am and 3.30pm to 6pm. During the school holidays, the club opens Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in his evaluation. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including evidence of the suitability and training of staff. n The provider and the inspector completed a learning walk, to determine the organisation and planning of activities. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children as they engaged with activities indoors and outdoors. n Parents' views were taken account of by the inspector, through discussions and written testimonials. n The inspector held discussions with leaders, staff, and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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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.

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Inspection activities

2 November 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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