The Village Care Club

Inspection of The Village Care Club St. Bedes Catholic Junior School, Appleton Village, WIDNES, Cheshire WA8 6EL

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy spending time at this happy and relaxed club. They feel safe, secure and valued here. This reflects in their behaviour as they are friendly and welcoming to both visitors and their peers. Children take part in a range of activities in the spacious outdoor environment. For example, they play football and table tennis and practise their throwing and catching skills. Staff provide children with healthy and nutritious snacks. Children enjoy choosing fillings and making their own wrap at snack time. Staff ensure that they cater for children's dietary requirements.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Staff have high expectations of children. They are positive role models for children. Children play well together, taking turns and sharing equipment. Their behaviour is good. Children listen to the instructions given by staff and understand what is expected of them. Staff model and encourage children to use good manners. Furthermore, they praise children for their excellent listening skills. This helps to raise children's self-esteem. Staff provide opportunities for children to find out about different cultures and festivals. This helps them to gain an awareness of the wider world.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Many of the procedures implemented specifically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have now been relaxed. However, children still follow stringent arrangements with regards to handwashing.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children's physical development is promoted well. Staff support children to practise skills they are taught in school. They model how to hold scissors correctly. This helps to develop children's small-muscle movements. Children enjoy balancing and climbing on the larger equipment outside. This helps to develop children's large-muscle movements. n Staff have built effective working relationships with the host school. They use these professional partnerships to ensure continuity of care for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff work closely with teachers to support what children need to work on next. They complement learning that takes place in school to help children consolidate their skills. Staff ensure that all pertinent information from school teachers is passed on to parents. n Parents are thrilled with the service provided. They praise the club for being

p.2

need to do better?

flexible and accommodating parents' working hours. They are grateful for the homely environment that staff have created for children. n The manager includes children's, parents' and staff views in her self-evaluation of the setting. She uses this information to identify areas for improvement that

p.2

need to do better?

9 September 2022 further promote children's interests and experiences. She has recently established a children's suggestion box to enhance the ways in which children can voice their ideas. n Staff are supported well. Leaders carry out regular observations of staff during supervisions and staff attend frequent meetings. Staff are encouraged to contribute their ideas through informal discussions and evaluations. They complete mandatory training, such as safeguarding and first aid. However, training opportunities are not yet focused on further enhancing staff's skills. n Staff are interested in children's news and their day. They have developed positive relationships with children. Staff encourage children to respect each other and to celebrate their similarities and differences. As a result, children are keen to interact with all staff members. Older children are considerate towards younger children. For example, they help them to pour their own drinks.

p.2

need to do better?

Children meet their own care needs as they wash their hands before eating. They carry their own plates to the bin when they have finished eating at snack time. These opportunities help to enhance children's growing independence. n Children are confident to express their own ideas. They make choices about what they would like to do and what they want to play with. Clear routines provide children with a good structure to their time spent at the club. This keeps them well occupied and ensures their needs for rest and refreshment are addressed.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff recognise the signs and symptoms which may indicate a child is being abused. They know the steps to take should they feel concerned about the welfare of a child. Staff attend training in safeguarding and have a good understanding of safeguarding matters. They complete risk assessments and prepare activities which are suitable and safe for children. The premises are secure and children are safe. Robust recruitment procedures include rigorous background checks to help ensure that children are always cared for by suitable adults. Staff have appropriate fire procedures in place and regularly practise fire drills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY436800 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10063157 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 36 Number of children on roll 72 Name of registered person The Village Care Club Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07905252950 Date of previous inspection 2 October 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The Village Care Club registered in 2011. It operates from St. Bedes Catholic Junior School. The club employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 4. The club opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 7.45am until 9am, and 3pm until 5.30pm.

p.4

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 her evaluation of the provider. n A tour of the premises was completed with the manager. n Discussions were held with the provider and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector observed interactions between the staff and children during activities. n The inspector reviewed a variety of documents, including evidence of the suitability of staff, qualifications, first-aid certificates and policies and procedures.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

9 September 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6