Lions' Den Out of School Club

Inspection of Lions' Den Out of School Club High Street, Doddington, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 0TF

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This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend at the welcoming and friendly club. They arrive excited and enthusiastic as they seek out their friends and engage in the wide range of play opportunities available. Children benefit from having activities based on their individual interests, as they are actively involved in planning the play experiences. For example, among the children's arts and crafts that adorn every wall, is the 'wish tree' the children created. Here, they write their thoughts and ideas that they would like incorporated into the club's activities.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff join children in their play. They extend children's learning and teach practical skills. For example, children create homemade bubble wands from grass stalks and folding paper to create fans on a hot day. Children are supported to find their own ways to solve problems. For example, they extend paint rollers with sticks to enable them to reach higher. Children demonstrate their positive attitudes towards their play through high levels of engagement and enjoyment.

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This provision meets requirements

Relationships between staff and children are caring and responsive. They have high expectations for children's behaviour and conduct. This is reflected in the children's behaviour and the respectful way they respond to each other. For instance, older children demonstrate kindness to younger children as they share resources and involve them in their activities.

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need to do better?

n Staff promote healthy eating and help children to understand where their food comes from. Children plant and grow a variety of healthy food that they use for their snack. They use tools, such as knives, to chop salad and vegetables. Children also share their harvest with the school kitchen. The cook ensures that the ingredients are used and the children are thanked for their efforts. This helps to develop children's sense of belonging and responsibility. n Staff understand the importance of outdoor activities for promoting children's physical and emotional development. They plan a wide range of activities and experiences to encourage children to develop their skills and take appropriate risks. For example, children particularly enjoy spending time on the large trail area where they can climb, swing and enjoy being energetic. Children explore and construct to create further physical challenge, which they eagerly

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need to do better?

demonstrate to visitors. For example, they create wobble boards from large stones and pieces of wood and balancing on logs and sleepers. n Staff help children to be respectful, take turns in their play and use manners appropriately. They mirror the school's reward approach, so that it is familiar, and children receive points for acts of kindness to each other. Staff act as good

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need to do better?

17 June 2022 role models and help children to understand that not all people may share the same view or ideas as they do. Staff build strong relationships with the children in their care. They encourage children to talk about their feelings and emotions. This helps to support their emotional well-being. n The club has effective systems in place to provide children with a seamless transition between the club and the school. For instance, staff take children to their individual classes following breakfast and teachers return children to the club following the school day. Staff speak with teachers when they drop children off. This creates a two-way flow of information and enables staff to build on children's experiences. For example, staff engage in roles with the children as they practise an upcoming assembly. n Partnerships with parents are excellent. Parents comment positively about the club and the superb care the staff provide their children. They state how their

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need to do better?

children love coming and often do not want to leave. Parents are grateful for the close relationships staff build with their children to support them emotionally. Information about play opportunities and photos of their children participating in activities are shared regularly and valued by parents. n The committee and staff team work together effectively. The experienced staff team has worked at the club for a long time and its members report that they feel supported. Staff access regular training to keep their knowledge and skills updated. They regularly discuss practice and involve teaching staff from the school to evaluate the provision as they continue to strive for improvement.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff are vigilant and understand their responsibilities for keeping children safe from harm. Staff receive regular supervision meetings and understand the procedure for raising concerns. They have excellent knowledge of the signs and symptoms children may display if subjected to different types of abuse. Additionally, staff receive regular training covering broader safeguarding issues, such as radicalisation and county lines. They are aware of procedures to follow in the event of an allegation against a member of the staff team. The partnership with the headteacher in school promotes effective information-sharing and consistency for safeguarding the children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 259704 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10113086 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 32 Number of children on roll 36 Name of registered person Lions Den Out Of School Club Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01354 740405 Date of previous inspection 25 June 2015

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Information about this early years setting

Lions Den Out of School Club registered in 1995 and is managed by a committee. It is located within the Lionel Walden Primary School in Doddington, Cambridgeshire. The club employs three members of staff to work directly with the children. Of these, two hold qualifications at level 3. Opening times are 7.45am to 8.45am and 3.15pm to 6pm each weekday during school term times.

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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 the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk of the areas used by the club to find out how they are organised and the range of activities provided both indoors and outdoors. n The inspector observed the activities indoors and outdoors and the interactions between staff and children. The inspector talked to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The manager showed the inspector documentation and evidence of the suitability of the staff working at the club. n The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

17 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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