Footsteps

Inspection of Footsteps Slyne Road, Torrisholme, MORECAMBE, Lancashire LA4 6NZ

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children flourish in this nurturing environment. They chat happily to the adults about their day as they walk hand in hand the short distance from school to the club. Children enjoy being at the club and have loving bonds with the adults who care for them. They say the club is 'amazing'. Children are happy and feel safe.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children behave well. They are polite and follow instructions from adults. Children confidently play together and engage in thoughtful conversations. For example, they work together to find all the treasure in the sand and discuss what they like about the pearls. Children say that they have made lots of friends at the club. If children struggle to share or take turns, the adults calmly help them to resolve it. Children's emotional needs are met and understood by the supportive staff who care for them.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy being creative with the wide range of resources available. They think of ways to make the flowers and the clouds in a model garden. They choose which materials to use as they create a snail picture. This promotes children's confidence and supports them to become independent. Children are highly engaged in their play, they tell their parents not to collect them too early, so that they do not miss out on any time at the club.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff know children well. They consider children's individual needs and interests when planning activities and organising their environment. For example, they provide younger children with a dedicated space in which they can play and access resources that are appropriate to their age. Children also have access to a cosy area to relax with a book or engage in quieter activities. This supports children to feel safe and secure in the setting. n Children have access to a broad range of experiences at the club. They are eager to join in with the planned activities and use the resources available to engage in their own independent play. For instance, children use the dolls to act out a story about a family. They rush to gather round when an adult introduces a new game. These activities complement the learning and experiences that children access at school. n The manager of the club has developed a strong partnership with the school

p.2

need to do better?

that the children attend during the day. For instance, she works collaboratively with the headteacher to find ways that the two settings can share good practice. Staff speak to the children's teachers as they transition to and from school. This helps to ensure continuity of care for the children. n Parents are extremely positive about the quality of the care provided by the

p.2

need to do better?

13 May 2022 club. They speak highly of the caring staff, who they say treat their children as individuals and know them well. Parents value the support that the club provides to them and to their children and the impact that this has had. For example, they say their children have grown in confidence and improved their social skills. Parents say the club 'is like an extended family'. n Children are provided with a healthy snack. They choose which piece of fruit they would like and talk about which foods give you energy. Children also enjoy being physically active at the club. For example, children giggle as they stretch their arms as wide as they can to make big circles in the air with ribbons. They describe how they get out of breath from running around. This supports children's understanding of how to make healthy lifestyle choices and how to look after their bodies. n The manager has a clear vision for the club and is passionate about providing

p.2

need to do better?

quality care for children. She ensures that staff have regular opportunities to review the activities that the club provides. She carefully considers the suggestions that children make when investing in new resources. This helps to ensure that the club continues to develop and improve over time.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

All staff understand their responsibility to keep children safe. They receive regular training and have a clear understanding of the signs that may indicate children are at risk of abuse. Staff know what actions to take if there are any concerns about children's welfare. Children demonstrate that they feel safe through the secure attachments they have formed with the adults working closely with them. Staff carefully assess any potential risks in the indoor and outdoor environments that the children play in. They supervise children well to ensure that the club is safe and secure.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY562300 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10190915 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 42 Number of children on roll 106 Name of registered person Clarke, Gillian Mary

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01524 424536 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Footsteps registered in 2018. The out-of-school club employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 4 and three at level 3. The club opens from Monday to Friday, before and after school and during school holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am until 9am and 3pm to 6pm term time and from 7.30am to 6pm during school holidays.

p.4

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 the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including checking the suitability of the staff. n Discussions were held with the manager and staff during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector completed a learning walk of the areas used by the setting to find out how they are organised, and the range of activities provided both indoors and outdoors. n The children chatted with the inspector, who sought their views on the setting. n The inspector checked a sample of documentation, including evidence of staff suitability and training.

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

13 May 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.

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