Silchester Oaks

Inspection of Silchester Oaks Silchester Primary School, School Lane, Silchester, Reading RG7 2NJ

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This provision meets requirements

Children are happy and quickly settle into the activities on offer at this welcoming club. They report that they very much enjoy attending and like spending time with the play leaders. Children talk freely with adults, discussing their interests and activities in and out of school. Children feel safe, secure and well looked after. They demonstrate high levels of confidence. For instance, they are keen to chat to the inspector about their experiences at the club and the activities that they are partaking in.

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This provision meets requirements

Children have lots of opportunities to be creative at the club. Staff use these opportunities to promote positive behaviour choices and interactions between children. For example, staff help children share tools and consider others as they model clay. They suggest that children mix up more clay so everyone has plenty of choice about which colour of clay to use. Children are learning to be well mannered, polite and considerate of those around them.

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need to do better?

n Staff successfully nurture and care for children. They are attentive in meeting the individual needs of all children. For instance, when children who are more reserved look keenly towards a bustling activity, they encourage and support them in engaging with this. Staff remain with them until they are sure that children feel comfortable and their anxieties are eased. n On the whole, children are clear of staff's expectations of behaviour. Gentle and appropriate reminders are usually in place to support children in making appropriate and reflective decisions. However, at times, staff do not remind children of the importance of following rules that are in place to keep them safe, for example the need for children to not run when playing inside. n Children learn about how to live healthy lifestyles at the club. They are given many opportunities to be physically active, inside and outside, and enjoy the

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need to do better?

healthy breakfast and teatime meals available. Staff ensure that tables are clean and sanitised and that they wear gloves when preparing food. However, staff do not consistently help children to understand why it is important to wash their hands before eating. n Staff plan activities that promote children's understanding of people's experiences that are different to their own. For example, they learn about Chinese New Year, Diwali and Burns Night. Children are gaining a sound understanding of what makes them unique and delight in celebrating similarities and differences with their friends and the community. n Children are self-assured in their daily routines at the club. They know where to put their belongings and what is expected at various times. For example, the

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need to do better?

23 January 2023 children know to sit at the benches for registration and to form an orderly line when waiting for snack. Children's independence skills are promoted, and their views are accounted for well. For example, children choose activities and resources, such as table football and crafting. n Parents speak positively about the club. They feel well informed and appreciate the regular opportunities they have to provide feedback to the club. Parents state that staff are always available to discuss the needs of their children, and they feel that their children are very well cared for at the club. Children often say that they do not want to leave when their parents come to collect them. n Leaders are committed to continual self-reflection and strive for improvement. They regularly complete quality checks, including parent and child surveys as well as staff assessments and evaluations. This helps managers to identify staff

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need to do better?

training and support to develop staff's knowledge and skills further. Staff feel valued and supported and have positive relationships with leaders and managers. This helps to ensure that high standards are consistently provided by the club.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The managers ensure that all staff receive regular, up-to-date and appropriate safeguarding training. This includes how to keep children safe online. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to keep children safe. They demonstrate the ability to identify the potential signs of neglect or abuse. Staff are clear about how to record and report concerns. Staff are vigilant in their deployment and risk assess the premises and activities offered effectively. For example, staff accurately identify when the outside playground area is too icy for the children to use without appropriate treatment being applied to make it safe. The staff recruitment process is thorough and robust. Managers ensure that essential checks are in place for all employees. Staff suitability is also checked on a regular basis. This helps to establish that all staff working with children are continuously suitable.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2614032 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10263188 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 24 Number of children on roll 64

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Name of registered person

Oaks Childcare Clubs Community Interest Company

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reference number

Telephone number 01189332960 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Silchester Oaks registered in 2020. It is located in Silchester Primary School, in Reading. The club is open from 7.30am for a breakfast club before school, and from the end of the school day until 6pm, term time only. A team of seven staff work at the club; of these, three have relevant level 3 qualifications.

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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 inspector viewed the premises and discussed the safety and suitability of the provision. n The inspector held discussions with the leaders and staff. n Parents shared their views on the club through verbal and written feedback. The inspector took account of their views. n The manager shared key documentation with the inspector on request. n The inspector observed staff practice and evaluated the impact this has on children's experiences at the setting.

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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

23 January 2023 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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