Little Buddies

Inspection of Little Buddies Saltersgate Infant School, Windsor Walk, Doncaster DN5 8NQ

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This provision meets requirements

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, school staff now bring the children to the club. This has continued because club staff recognise that it helps to ease congestion and restlessness at the beginning of the session. Children are greeted warmly by the happy and energetic staff and are keen to get started on activities.

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This provision meets requirements

Children can choose to relax or be as active as they choose at the end of their school day. Some concentrate hard as they build intricate models with small bricks. Others engage in imaginative play, pushing a doll's pram and pretending to be 'mummy'. Children develop meaningful friendships with others. They gather on sofas and talk about their day. They share ideas for what they can do when it is time to go outdoors.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff have an excellent understanding of children's needs and their preferences during play. All children benefit from warm, supportive relationships with staff. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are particularly well supported. Children have confidence in themselves. Their differing personalities are valued by staff. Some children share a sense of humour with staff, showing that they feel comfortable and secure in the club. Children who are naturally more quiet show that they feel at ease, sitting close to staff and chatting while they play.

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need to do better?

n There are supportive partnerships in place with the school where the club is located. Club and school staff share information about children's needs and about their learning. This helps to ensure that there is a consistent approach to the support that children receive. Staff provide activities that extend and complement children's learning in school. n Children benefit from a wide range of age-appropriate activities that enhance their learning that happens elsewhere. Staff involve children in plans for their learning. For example, children explain that some activities make their hands stronger, which helps them to write with more confidence. n Daily opportunities to play in the garden help children to benefit from fresh air and exercise that promotes their good health. These times are focused around physical play, which, at times, limits the range of activities available for those children who prefer to be outside. That said, children are permitted to take

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need to do better?

equipment and toys from indoors out in to the garden. n Staff seek regular feedback from parents. Parents report that their children do not want to leave the club at the end of the session. They say that staff 'fill the club with fun and laughter'. They particularly appreciate how staff made sure that children's experiences felt 'normal' during the disruptions caused by the

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need to do better?

25 July 2022 COVID-19 local restrictions. n Children behave well. They demonstrate this when they reward one another with stars for kind and helpful behaviour. They celebrate how it is 'good to be green', which represents positive behaviours on a wall chart. Staff give children a 'stop and think' card if they behave in a way that could upset others. Children identify what they could have done instead, in a very positive way. n Staff feel valued. They receive a very effective programme of support from the provider that helps them to build on their skills and to develop confidence in their role. They are actively encouraged, and keen to take up, professional development opportunities. This contributes to an excellent capacity for ongoing improvements in the club. n Children are consistently busy at play and enjoy their time in the club. They devise their own games and make up rules. For example, they decide how many

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need to do better?

points they can score by jumping from hoop to hoop in the garden. They take turns and make sure that everyone plays fairly. n The provider values the importance of play and complements children's awareness of information technology by providing programmable toys that help children to learn about how things work. n Staff's precise plans when considering how to best support children's emotional well-being have a very positive impact. Children openly talk to staff about their feelings and any worries they have are quickly resolved. They develop high levels of self-esteem and show empathy toward others.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff teach children to keep themselves safe. They discuss the potential dangers of online activities and empower children to share any worries with a trusted adult. They involve children in risk assessments in the club to help them to identify activities where they may need to be more careful. Staff are specially trained to meet children's particular medical needs. There are comprehensive arrangements to protect children who have allergies. Staff undergo regular child protection training, and managers share safeguarding updates during staff meetings. This helps to ensure that staff know how to identify and respond to children who may be at risk from harm or abuse.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY555400 Local authority Doncaster Inspection number 10174372 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

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inspection

Total number of places 16 Number of children on roll 87 Name of registered person Adams, Andrea

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reference number

Telephone number 01302 702399 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Buddies registered in 2017. The club is located within the grounds of Saltersgate Infant School in Doncaster. The club operates Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 5.45pm. There are three staff, of whom two hold relevant early years qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting has received since the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with leaders and staff and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The manager showed the inspector around the premises and talked about the activities provided for children. n The inspector observed activities both indoors and in the outdoor area. n The inspector spoke to the provider and the manager about leadership and management matters. She looked at relevant documents provided, including evidence of the suitability checks carried out on staff. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. She also spoke to a number of parents 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

25 July 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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