First Friends After School Club

Inspection of First Friends After School Club St Albans School, Newstead Avenue, Chaddesden, Derby, Derbyshire DE21 6NU

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This provision meets requirements

Children are settled and happy at the club. They arrive eager to take part in the activities and routine tasks on offer. For example, older children help staff to prepare tea. They know to wash their hands and put on aprons before handling food. Children develop skills for the future, for instance they concentrate as they carefully use knives to cut tomatoes. Staff support children to safely use the oven to cook fish fingers for their sandwiches. Children enjoy having responsibility and being independent. For example, after tea is finished, children are keen to help staff to clean up. Children work together to decide who will wash and who will dry the dishes.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are enthusiastic and actively use their imagination. They make volcanoes in the sand and say they are Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna. Staff encourage children to have their own ideas and lead their play. For example, children hunt through the vast array of resources and discover long pieces of red paper to use as lava erupting from their volcanoes. They transport water to the sand tray and create a lake around the volcanoes. Children are proud of their creation and excitedly tell staff and visitors about it.

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need to do better?

n Staff work closely with the host school. They share information to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Staff undertake joint projects with the school. For example, they work together to help raise parents' and children's awareness of online safety. n Children have free access to indoor and outdoor activities. Staff deployment is used well to ensure that children are safely supervised. Staff understand that some children need time to relax after a full day at school. As a result, they include quieter activities and comfortable areas for children to sit in. n Parents speak fondly of the club and say, 'They are a great group of staff.' Parents feel reassured that staff would contact them in the event of any concerns. Staff work in partnership with parents to find out children's interests, hobbies and what they like doing. This helps staff to plan exciting activities that capture children's interest.

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need to do better?

n Children behave well. Outside, they tell visitors the areas where they are allowed to play and know this is to keep them safe. Children know that they must wear helmets when on scooters and bikes. On occasion, staff gently remind children not to go on a ramp with their scooters. Children respond positively to staff and act upon these requests. n Children are confident and independent. During mealtimes they self-serve food and drinks. Children sit and talk together. However, staff do not always use this

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need to do better?

1 February 2023 time to sit with children to further support social skills and understanding of healthy food choices. n Staff are receptive to children's interests and take on board their suggestions. For example, they have implemented children's proposal of a weekly cookery club. Each week, children research a recipe that they would like to cook or bake. For instance, they write down a recipe for cheese twists. Children share the pastry and listen to staff as they clearly explain how to twist the pastry before putting it in the oven to bake. n Staff provide children with a range of different play dough and utensils. Children concentrate as they manipulate the play dough to make pretend cake and cookie balls. They use their strength to twist and turn a tool to produce twisty play dough pasta. Children smile and show delight as they admire their creations. n Children learn how to take care of their teeth. Staff provide activities to help

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need to do better?

children understand the importance of oral health. For example, they use toothbrushes to brush off pretend plaque on laminated photos of teeth and learn how to clean their teeth properly. n Leaders and managers provide effective staff support. They regularly share knowledge and skills, and conduct in-house staff training. For instance, leaders share updates from recent safeguarding training. Staff meetings and supervisions are used to provide dedicated time to discuss any concerns, development opportunities and overall staff well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

A detailed safeguarding policy is in place. Staff can identify signs and symptoms of abuse and know what to do if they are concerned about a child's welfare. Staff attend safeguarding training regularly, and leaders routinely test out the knowledge and understanding of staff. Staff undertake training and have processes in place to meet children's individual health needs. Staff are vigilant to the safety and security of the premises. Procedures are in place to ensure that children are only collected by authorised persons. Staff ensure that children are safely supervised, throughout their time at the club.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 259120 Local authority Derby Inspection number 10262955 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 35 Name of registered person First Friends P.D.N. Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01332 677660 Date of previous inspection 12 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

First Friends After School Club registered in 2001 and operates from school premises in Chaddesden, Derby. The club employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 or above. The club opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 9am and 3.30pm until 6pm during term time and from 7.30am until 6pm during school holidays.

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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 observed activities, both indoors and outdoors and the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day of the inspection. n The manager provided the inspector with relevant documentation, including the evidence of staff qualifications and their suitability to work with the children.

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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

1 February 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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Inspection activities

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