St Brigids Catholic School

Inspection of St Brigids Catholic School St. Brigids RC Junior & Infant School, Frankley Beeches Road, BIRMINGHAM B31 5AB

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This provision meets requirements

Children show a real sense of belonging, have close relationships with staff and are safe. They have the freedom to explore, discover and choose activities that best suit their interests. For example, some children are keen to sew and create England flags, while others prefer to be outdoors and practise their racquet skills with staff. Children are confident and share their ideas by posting them into the suggestion box, and directly talking to staff. Their suggestions are valued and included in the planning of activities. Consequently, children enjoy what is on offer.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave well and are confident to engage in play. The 'pet protection' activities are popular with children. They gently clean the turtle with a toothbrush to remove the algae and know they must wet their hands before handling the African land snail. Children thoroughly enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air and staff indulge their interests. For example, children love dressing up and playing their imaginary games, and staff build on their ideas well. Children have plenty of opportunities to socialise and be with their friends. They know the routine well and children eagerly take on extra responsibility. For example, children help set up the tables and give out the plates and cups in preparation for snack.

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need to do better?

n The extremely strong partnership with the on-site school is key to the success of the club. Systems to share detailed information about children and their families to help support their welfare are strong. This results in those families most in need, benefiting from their children attending the breakfast sessions. Some of the staff also work at the school and daily share information with teachers about children's care and emotional needs. This helps support children's smooth, daily transition from the school to the club. n There are effective systems in place to regularly consult with parents and for them to share their views about the club. The manager gathers parents' opinions, analyses these and acts upon them to help further develop the service provided. Each child and their parents also benefit from an annual consultation with the manager, and staff. Parents report they are extremely happy with what

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need to do better?

is on offer and the quality of information they receive, such as the informative newsletters. n Supporting children's personal development is given a high regard. All children, including the youngest, are confident in this inclusive environment. Staff use a range of strategies to help children to take on extra responsibility and develop ownership for the club. Children take on roles in which they are responsible for a particular area. For example, an 'expert' who checks the areas are safe and an 'art expert' who checks there are sufficient art supplies, and offers ideas to

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need to do better?

15 June 2022 children. n Staff celebrate the uniqueness of each child and work closely with parents to find out about their cultures and celebrations. This information is used extremely well to plan activities to help children learn about their own and others customs. For example, children learn about the food, music and traditions in Lithuania, Estonia, Kenya and Iraq. n Staff place a high priority on ensuring children benefit from being physically active. Children spend much of their time outdoors in the fresh air. They benefit from a range of fruits and a substantial afternoon snack. Staff encourage children to make healthy choices and talk about the importance of limiting high sugar foods in their diet and good oral hygiene. n The manager has a clear overview of the club. There are robust systems in place to monitor staff performance and they benefit from ongoing guidance and training. Staff speak highly of the support they receive.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There are robust systems in place to ensure all staff are suitably vetted and inducted, and their ongoing suitability assessed. All staff have a secure knowledge of the signs of abuse and the procedure to follow if they are concerned. The manager works closely with the school to identify any children at risk or in need of early help and support. There are effective risk assessments in place to remove and minimise any risks identified. The manager has completed a recent survey to identify how many children use social media. This has led to staff working closely with children on how to keep themselves safe online.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY422171 Local authority Birmingham Inspection number 10074698 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 45 Number of children on roll 81

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Name of registered person

Meadows and Brigid's After School Club Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01214642364 Date of previous inspection 22 March 2016

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Information about this early years setting

St Brigids Catholic School registered in 2011. The club opens Monday to Friday, during school term time. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.45am and 3.30pm to 6pm. The club employs seven members of staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate qualification at level 7, five hold a qualification at level 3 and one is unqualified.

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Inspection activities

n This is the first inspection the club received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in the evaluation of the club. n The inspector and the manager completed a learning walk together to check the safety of the premises and to gather information about the experiences provided. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club. n The inspector spoke to staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took into account the views of parents.

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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

15 June 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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