Pals

Inspection of Pals St Paul's Primary School, Garden Street, Stafford, Staffs ST17 4BT

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This provision meets requirements

Children are positive about the club. They say they like all the toys at the club and there is nothing that they do not like. Children really enjoy their play. They are confident and relaxed in the club and enjoy involving visitors in their play. Children feel safe and secure with staff; they sit on their lap and talk to them about their home experiences, such as their pets. Children take great pride in their achievements. They enjoy seeing their artwork and pictures displayed around the premises. Staff give praise to children when they play well together.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff know children well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They know how to support children in the club. For example, staff give gentle reminders to children with SEND to encourage positive behaviour, such as 'smart walking.' These behaviour expectations are consistent with those used by staff in the host school. This helps to promote continuity in the approach for positive behaviour management.

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need to do better?

n The provider evaluates the provision well. During a recent increase in numbers, the provider has considered how to further meet children's needs. She has done this by implementing a more fixed routine during the session. This has helped to ensure children's ongoing good engagement in activities. n Staff help to keep children safe online and when using technology. The provider ensures the school computers used by the children to play nature videos is safe and has appropriate filtering and monitoring in place. Staff provide information to parents and children on how to keep safe online, such as only accessing age- appropriate games. n Parents describe how happy they are with the provision. They say that staff meet children's needs and staff communicate well with them. n Key persons know the interests and preferences of their key children. For those children who prefer to play physical games outside, staff provide daily

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need to do better?

opportunities for this. This supports children's interest and enjoyment of play. n Children show high levels of curiosity. They enjoy playing in the forest school area to make 'potions' using a range of natural resources. Staff ask skilful questions to extend children's play and creativity. n Staff report that their workload is manageable and their well-being is positive. The provider regularly monitors this through her supervision of staff. Staff professional development has a positive impact on their practice. Staff who the provider is funding to further their qualifications have become more skilled in supporting children's play. n Children understand how to look after their bodies, for instance, through

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need to do better?

21 June 2022 meditation. Staff serve them nutritious snacks. All children clean their hands prior to eating their snack. This helps to promote children's healthy lifestyles. n Children develop their awareness of different festivals, such as Christian festivals and festivals of the cultures of the children who attend the club, including Diwali and Chinese New Year. They also enjoy visits from different professions, such as bakers and gain experience of history with a visit from a 'Viking.' This rich range of experiences helps children to discover the world around them. n There is good communication between staff at the club and the host school. They exchange information about children's care needs, such as children who are unwell and information about the key skills children have gained at the club, including using a pincer grip. This helps to promote continuity in children's experiences. n There is a good range of activities on offer. Children enjoy using their

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need to do better?

imagination, for example, while pretending to make food. Staff support activities, they work alongside children to complete mindfulness pictures that children colour. This also helps them to practise skills from school, including pencil grip. The provider organises the environment well. There is space for play, as well as areas for children to rest and look at books.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The provider has suitable risk assessments in place to help to control hazards, including the spread of COVID-19. The provider checks staff suitability to help to ensure all those working with children are suitable. The provider who is the lead for safeguarding in the club has a sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures, including how to provide early help services to families who would benefit from this. Staff can identify children who need safeguarding services. They know signs and symptoms of abuse and know how to seek help for families through reporting concerns to the club safeguarding lead or local children's services. Staff understand the procedures in place to manage concerns, such as allegations against staff.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2562969 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10233487 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 30 Number of children on roll 40 Name of registered person Tierney, Maureen

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reference number

Telephone number 07745385470 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Pals registered in 2019. It is run by a private provider from the premises of St Paul's CofE (C) Primary School. The club runs a breakfast- and after-school club during term time. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.45am and 3.05pm until 5.30pm. There are five members of staff working with the children; three hold relevant qualifications at level 2 and above.

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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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises with the provider. n The inspector spoke to children, to find out about their time at the club. Parents shared their views of the club with the inspector. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Together, the inspector and provider evaluated children's activities outside. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club.

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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

21 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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Inspection activities

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