Acorn After School Club

Inspection of Acorn After School Club The Ridings, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 6NX

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This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and are very happy to attend the club. Staff involve children when planning and ensure that activities meet their different interests. For example, children talk with excitement as they make slime potions. Furthermore, they have great fun as they take turns playing table tennis. Children also relax in quieter areas of the club, sharing stories with staff. These opportunities help children to be curious and deeply engaged in their chosen play and activities.

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This provision meets requirements

Children form strong friendships and enjoy one another's company as they take part in crafts and sports. This helps them to build on their social and physical skills, and creativity. Children thrive in the care of professional and dedicated staff who provide a welcoming, safe and nurturing environment. They are confident and develop strong bonds with their key person, who knows them well. For instance, children eagerly invite staff into their play.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are kind and sensitive to each other. Older children invite younger children into their games of hide and seek. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. They have meaningful conversations with children, who listen to one another's views and opinions. Children's behaviour towards each other is admirable.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff plan a diverse range of play activities that motivate and engage children very well. Children enjoy involving staff in their play as they learn different card games. The key-person system is well established and helps children to build a sense of belonging. Staff are good role models to the children. This supports children's social skills well. n Staff support children's understanding of being healthy effectively. Children manage their personal hygiene very well, understanding the importance of regular handwashing before mealtimes. The club provides healthy and nutritious home-cooked meals and snacks. Staff follow clear processes to ensure that children's dietary requirements are met. They use mealtimes to further promote independence. For example, children confidently serve their own food. Older children are particularly kind and help the younger children. Children know the routine of the club very well.

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need to do better?

n Children say they love their club. They talk confidently about their favourite activities and say that the staff are 'very kind and fun'. Children enjoy playing active games with staff outdoors. Staff motivate children to join in and exercise in the fresh air, and engage them well.

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need to do better?

10 January 2022 n Staff ensure that materials for drawing, painting and craft activities are available throughout the club. Children are free to explore these materials independently. For example, they paint rainbows and proudly display these. n Staff communicate effectively with school staff. They gather important information about children's individual needs. This helps them to recognise potential risks to children's health or emotional well-being n Parents are complimentary about the club and the approachable and friendly staff. Staff gather good information from parents about their children. For example, they find out about children's likes and dislikes, family members and any medical needs. Parents comment that their children thoroughly enjoy the different activities that the club offers and often ask to return even on days they are not supposed to be at the club. However, the club's arrangements for

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need to do better?

sharing information with parents could be strengthened, to enhance daily communication with parents even further. n The manager and staff work cohesively together to ensure the smooth running of the club. The provider evaluates the club well, seeking the views of parents and children. This helps them to identify areas to develop. n The manager has recently reviewed her supervision procedures. Staff receive ongoing support from the manager, such as regular supervisory meetings and yearly appraisals. The manager uses these opportunities to discuss with staff any training needs and concerns. She holds daily discussions with the staff team and observes their practice. The manager values staff's input and works together with them to reflect on their practice and identify ways to drive improvement.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The club has its own secure area within the school site. Staff monitor who enters the area well. Risks to children are minimised. Staff are careful to check who is present as children move between school and the club at collection times. They are confident of their role and responsibility to keep children safe. Staff keep up to date with child protection training. They know the procedures for the local authority to report any concerns about a child in their care. Staff are familiar with the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is more vulnerable or at risk of harm.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 119924 Local authority Surrey Inspection number 10216847 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 43 Number of children on roll 53 Name of registered person St. Pauls Trading Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01932-780005 Date of previous inspection 12 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Acorn After School Club registered in 1999. It operates from a pavilion within the grounds of St. Paul's College in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey. The club provides after-school care for children attending St. Ignatius School. It is open from 3pm to 6pm each weekday during term time. The club employs five staff, three of whom hold appropriate qualifications at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with leaders and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the club. n The inspector undertook a learning walk around the club with the manager. She held regular discussions with the manager and the staff. n The inspector spoke to children and parents and took account of their views. n Evidence of staff suitability and the qualifications of staff working with children were checked by the inspector. n The inspector looked at the documents available, including children's attendance records, risk assessments, and policies and procedures.

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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

10 January 2022 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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Inspection activities

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