Elm Cottage Out of School at Didsbury Road

Inspection of Elm Cottage Out of School at Didsbury Road Didsbury Road Primary School, Didsbury Road, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 3HB

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This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy their time at the out-of-school club. They show that they feel safe as they separate from their parents with ease. Children choose from the wide variety of interesting activities. For example, they role play with staff at the 'beauty salon'. Children delight in giving staff a new hair style. Children are involved in deciding what activities are offered and vote on aspects of their day. For example, children vote on what colour play dough to make. This helps children to learn about democracy. This also helps staff to tailor activities to children's interests, making sure that children enjoy what is on offer.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave very well and achieve the high expectations that staff have of them with ease. Staff are excellent role models. Children emulate them and are respectful and polite. Where children experience frustrations, staff step in sensitively to help them learn to resolve their differences and manage their emotions. Children make new friends at the club and develop their social skills as they mix in larger groups. Staff understand that this is something that some children have struggled with since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff are dedicated to their roles. Leaders use staff's strengths to maximum effect. For example, children create outfits from bin bags. They learn about design and sustainability from staff whose passion is art and design. Staff feel well supported in their roles. n Staff know children well and understand how to meet their individual needs. For instance, staff and children are learning some sign language. This help children to enhance their communication with children who have hearing impairments. Children are learning about the importance of inclusion. n Staff training is well targeted to have an impact on children. Staff have recently completed training about enhancing physical development in the early years. Staff encourage younger children to strengthen their core muscles through floor play. Children refine their fine-motor skills as they thread small beads to make jewellery. This helps to support children's developing physical skills.

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need to do better?

n Children benefit from the large indoor and outside spaces. They run around and play sports and games. Staff utilise children's skills and talents. For example, children who excel at sports help lead activities for other children. Children's overall well-being is well supported. n Staff offer constant praise for children's efforts and achievements. Children are proud of their talents and are keen to display them. Children decide to hold a talent show. They appoint judges and make medals. Children cheer their friends. The 'judges' crown their friends, who display a gymnastics routine as the

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need to do better?

11 August 2022 winners. Children's social development is well supported. n Staff and children have interesting discussions. For example, they discuss gravity as they make aliens from play dough. Staff model excellent speech and read to children on request. Some children choose to read their own books. Children are confident and are excellent communicators. n Children understand the routines of the day and why there are rules in place. Staff discuss good hydration and oral health with children. Children begin to learn some healthy habits. Children are responsible for looking after their own belongings. This helps to support children's independence skills. n The 'buddy' system pairs older and younger children to help younger children to settle. This gives older children the opportunity to take on responsibility and encourages friendships across age groups. n Children mix with others who have different heritage and backgrounds. Theme

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need to do better?

weeks such as 'All around the World' help children to learn about different countries and cultures. Children begin to appreciate our diverse world. n Relationships with parents are strong. Parents are happy with the care and activities that their children access. They know what is on offer each week through the information on the website. Parents comment that their children's confidence has grown since attending the club.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders and staff have a sound understanding of safeguarding policy and practice. This includes keeping children safe from extreme views and radicalisation. They understand what to do if they are concerned about the welfare of a child. Leaders and staff understand the procedure to follow if they are concerned about the behaviour of a colleague. They understand about county lines. Staff teach children about online safety and how to keep themselves safe from potential dangers on the internet. Premises are clean, safe, and secure, ensuring children's ongoing safety.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 501470 Local authority Stockport Inspection number 10109655 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 65 Number of children on roll 166 Name of registered person Elm Cottage Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0161 4432228 after 2.30 pm= 0161 4429946 Date of previous inspection 2 April 2015

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Information about this early years setting

Elm Cottage Out of School at Didsbury Road registered in 1991 and is part of the Elm Cottage group of childcare provision. The out-of-school club is housed within Didsbury Road Primary School's building located in the Heaton Mersey area of Stockport. It operates every day during school term time from 7.45am until 9am and from 3pm until 5.45pm. There is a full day holiday club during school holidays which operates from 7.45am until 5.45pm each day. Of the eight childcare staff who work at the club, seven hold relevant qualifications at level 2 or 3.

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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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection and discussed what they like to do at the club. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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

11 August 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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