Little Academy

Inspection of Little Academy Tividale Community Primary School, Dudley Road West, Tividale, OLDBURY, West Midlands B69 2HT

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive happy and safely from their classrooms, escorted by staff. They are confident in this familiar environment and know the routine. For example, children quickly wash their hands in readiness for their snack and sit at the tables. This time is used well for children to socialise and chat about their day and interests with friends and staff. Once their snack is finished, they are eager to get involved in what is made available. For example. children use a varied range of arts and crafts resources to create their autumn pictures. They look at the leaves and talk about the autumn colours and what they have been learning at school about autumn. Children enjoy talking to staff who show a keen interest in what they say. Children are highly motivated and show sustained levels of engagement during the activity.

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This provision meets requirements

Being outdoors is a firm favourite with children and they spend much of their times outdoors in the fresh air, playing with their friends. For example, children thoroughly enjoy their fantasy play and are imaginative and creative and cooperate well in their independent play. They use the balancing beams, play hide and seek and others are busy blowing and popping bubbles. Children enjoy their time at the club because staff know what they like most and provide well for their interests. A varied range of construction toys, board games, role-play resources and arts and crafts are made available for children to choose from.

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need to do better?

n The experienced manager works alongside the well-established staff team to ensure the smooth running of the club. She has a good overview of the care provided, observes staff daily and provides effective support and guidance to help extend their knowledge and skills. n Children are consulted about their interests and preferences and staff make these resources and activities available for them. Staff talk to children weekly about what snacks children want and they are then included into the weekly menu. Parents and children receive feedback questionnaires throughout the year to complete and their views considered and acted upon. n The manager works at the on-site school during the day in the reception class and year 1 and knows children well. She has a good oversight of their educational and care needs, and these are considered during their time at the club. In addition, another member of staff works in the school as a lunchtime

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need to do better?

supervisor and she knows children well, including their personalities, interests and friendship groups. The strong partnerships with the staff working at the school is key to the success of the club. n The club is very well established as part of the school service provided and information about it included on the school website. In addition, parents receive

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need to do better?

13 October 2022 a welcome pack about the club and key policies and procedures. Staff daily chat to parents about their child's time at the club and parents report they are happy with the service provided. n Staff adopt the behaviour management strategies used at the school to ensure consistency for children. Children have a clear understanding of behaviour expectations and behave well. Staff encourage children to think about the needs of others, including the younger children. Any negative stereotypes about race, gender and disability are challenged by staff and children learn to respect others and their differences. n Staff teach children about making healthy choices and talk to them about the importance of limiting high-sugar foods in their diet. For example, the snacks and breakfast choices provided are healthy and low in sugar and this is discussed with children when they request high-sugar cereals. Staff ensure

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need to do better?

children have plenty of opportunity to be physical outdoors. However, staff have not fully explored how they can successfully provide an area indoors for children to rest and relax when they are tired. n Teaching children to keep safe is a clear priority. For example, staff know about the safety topics covered at school in relation to teaching children about online safety, drug awareness and puberty. They openly talk to children about these issues and any questions they have in relation to what they have been learning. This joint-up working means children are given consistent and clear messages about how to keep safe.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There are robust systems in place to ensure all staff are suitably vetted, and their ongoing suitability assessed. Staff have a good understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow if they have a concern. There are effective systems in place to share information with staff at the school, to help identify any children at risk or in need of early help and support. Daily checks of the areas used are carried out prior to children arriving, to ensure the environment is clean, safe and suitable. Staff follow clear procedures to ensure they safely escort children to and from the club.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY450004 Local authority Sandwell Inspection number 10233844 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 40 Number of children on roll 34 Name of registered person Willan, Dee

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reference number

Telephone number 07733 222 186 Date of previous inspection 27 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Little Academy registered in 2012. The club opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.55am and 3.30pm until 5.30pm, during school term time. There are four members of staff employed. Of these, one holds an early years qualification at level 6, two hold a qualification at level 3 and one is unqualified.

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Inspection activities

n This is the first inspection the club received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in the evaluation of the setting. n The inspector and the manager completed a learning walk together to check the safety of the premises and to gather information about the experiences provided. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager. She observed the quality of staff interaction during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's experiences. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working at the club. n The inspector too account of the views of parents.

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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

13 October 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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