Little Penguins Link Club

Inspection of Little Penguins Link Club St. Elphin's Fairfield C E V A Primary School, Farrell Street, WARRINGTON WA1 2GN

p.1

This provision meets requirements

The experienced provider operates a safe, well-organised club. Nurturing staff create a home-from-home environment, which gives the children a strong sense of belonging. The relationship between children and staff is caring, built upon shared values of respect and kindness. Children's manners are exemplary. Older children cherish opportunities to be positive role models. Children confidently speak about the benefits of healthy eating and keeping themselves safe, especially online and when crossing roads. There is an outdoor area where children can exercise and access to a secure field for games. Staff promote children's understanding of the natural world and are fostering links with a nearby allotment. The club menu is full of nutritious hot and cold options, which includes iced water and fresh fruit.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Smiles greet staff when they collect children from school at the end of the day. Children are eager to enter the spacious club, take off their shoes and have fun. They happily voice their ideas, stories and interests during the session. Members carefully follow the instructions of qualified staff who plan exciting craft and cookery activities. The club is held in high regard by the local community and parents who refer to it as their 'Penguin family'.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders and staff have high expectations and children respond well to the club rules. Children of all ages play together and model turn taking and sharing resources. Positive behaviour strategies are in place and children look forward to the weekly achiever celebration. Staff support children in becoming more independent and responsible. As a result, children's self-esteem is high. n Managers strive to ensure that activities and environments interest and engage children. Since the start of the New Year, the club has operated from a newly built provision situated near a wooded area inhabited by squirrels and different species of birds. Children's understanding of the natural world is promoted well. n The setting is planned and organised, so that all children are able to access the well-designed provision and have their needs met. Children settle quickly on arrival and develop skills to manage their own self-care. Children with special

p.2

need to do better?

educational needs and/or disabilities are offered bespoke support to follow routines and visual prompts throughout the session. All children demonstrate they can access all the club activities, such as making glittery craft spiders or large scale junk modelling. Transitions run smoothly between snack and activity. Children have good levels of concentration. n Staff enjoy working at the club and have regular supervision with the experienced leadership and management team. The Little Penguin nursery and St. Elphin's Primary School are closely linked to the club and offer professional

p.2

need to do better?

20 October 2022 support. As a result, club staff meet with the children's class teachers and share assessments of the children's personal and social development. Children can choose to complete homework on site and have safe access to the internet and guidance. n Children are able to play games in a secure outdoor area and school field. There is a focus on healthy lifestyle and menu options are diverse and nutritious. Staff talk to the children about the benefits of a healthy diet. The club manager runs a local allotment and plans to increase links, so that children can have a vegetable patch in the club grounds and use what they grow in their weekly cookery sessions. Children are supported to understand the benefits of healthy lifestyles. n Leaders provide a club which is secure and fun. Children are aware of correct use of technology and being safe online. The children are caring and respectful. They freely ask their friends and staff if they have had a good day and rest in

p.2

need to do better?

the comfortable relaxation zone. They listen attentively to one another and are considerate of each other's feelings. There is a warm atmosphere and children feel at home in the company of their 'Penguin Pals'. n Leaders and staff communicate well with parents and school. This helps staff at the club provide experiences which enhance what children are learning about in the day and interests from home. Parents feel their views matter and that they receive additional resources, which can help them manage their children's anxieties, behaviours and allergies. The long standing club is held in high regard in the local community.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Leaders and staff are fully committed to safeguarding children. They understand exactly what support children and families need and this information is considered paramount in ensuring chlidren flourish. Partnerships with other external professionals involved in safeguarding issues are highly effective. Staff receive extensive safeguarding training. They have a secure understanding of what to do if they have a concern about a child and carefully monitor attendance. Care plans are in place for any children with allergies and shared with all staff. Robust risk assessments carried out daily by all staff further ensure children's safety. There are rigorous recruitment procedures and new staff are monitored through their induction period.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY460757 Local authority Warrington Inspection number 10233886 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 90 Number of children on roll 69 Name of registered person Little Penguins Day Nursery Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01925 242 425 Date of previous inspection 9 March 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Little Penguins Link Club registered in 2013. It is open Monday to Friday from 7.45am to 8.45am and 3pm to 6.30pm, term time only. It employs seven members of staff. Of these, five hold childcare qualification at level 3 and one has qualified teacher status.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection that the setting has received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and took that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n Staff views were taken into account as the inspector talked to them at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the provision. n The inspector observed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The nominated individual and the inspector jointly observed and evaluated staff practice. n Parents talked about their views of the setting with the inspector.

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

20 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.

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