Acorn Kids Club

Inspection of Acorn Kids Club Green Lane Primary School, Acklam, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS5 7RU

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This provision meets requirements

The experienced provider operates a well-organised club. Children settle in quickly. They interact happily with one another and behave well. For example, they focus and interact positively as they huddle together on comfortable cushions to read stories with their friends. Children feel safe and secure at the club. They form meaningful relationships with the staff and follow instructions well. Staff use their strong knowledge and experience effectively to support those children who need additional help and encouragement. They gather essential information about children's interests, which they use to support children to settle in. For example, staff develop a vet's role-play area to engage children who have a current interest in animals.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are encouraged to be independent and look after their own personal care needs. They find their own tissue, blow their nose and dispose of the tissue in the bin. Staff remind them to wash their hands or use hand gel to get rid of germs. Children pour their own drinks and serve themselves snacks.

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This provision meets requirements

The manager recognises the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's social development. She recognises that the pandemic has also had an impact on parents. The positive changes she has made have resulted in extended sessions to meet the individual needs of each family.

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need to do better?

n Staff play and interact with children in a positive way. Children concentrate and persevere at the activities they choose. For example, staff provide junk modelling to support children's imagination, creativity and thinking skills. Children enjoy making representations of the homes in which they live. Staff encourage and praise them for their efforts. n Staff promote children's healthy lifestyles well. Children understand the importance of washing their hands. For instance, they wash them before eating. Children have ample opportunities to be active outdoors. n The manager and staff create a nurturing environment with a family ethos. Snack times and mealtimes are happy and social occasions. Children and staff sit together and become immersed in conversation. For example, children discuss with staff that they must eat their apples to be 'big and strong'. n Older children warmly greet younger children on their arrival and show kindness

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need to do better?

towards them. They give each other a hi five when they meet. This positive interaction helps children to develop secure attachments and supports their emotional well-being. n Staff know the children well. They collaborate with school staff highly effectively.

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need to do better?

30 January 2023 For example, they exchange information with teachers at school. This includes finding out how children have been throughout the day. Staff pass on these messages to parents and communicate well. This supports children's well-being. n Staff support children to make their own choices and have a voice. Children are supported to understand the importance of British values. For example, children self select what they want to play with, ask questions and speak freely. n Committed and experienced staff are passionate and are keen to develop their skills and knowledge. The provider supports them to access a wealth of training opportunities through links to the primary school. Staff discuss changes and any challenges that they encounter. This helps them to develop their skills as practitioners. n Parent partnerships are strong. Parents comment that staff keep them well informed about their children's time at the club. Staff consult with parents and

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need to do better?

value their views and suggestions for improvements. For instance, they gathered and used parents' suggestions to change their opening hours to make the club accessible to more parents. n The registered individual is aware of her responsibility to notify Ofsted of changes. However, on this occasion, she has not informed Ofsted about new committee members. These committee members have completed Disclosure and Barring Service checks and do not work directly with the children in the setting. Therefore, although this is a breach to the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage, it does not have an impact on children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of child protection matters. They access appropriate training that enables them to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect, including how to identify those children who may be at risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. Staff know how to report concerns about a child's welfare. They are aware of their whistle-blowing obligations. They know the roles of their relevant safeguarding professionals and how to contact them. There are clear procedures on the use of mobile phones. The premises are secure and daily risk assessments are completed to ensure the children's safety

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Setting details

Unique reference number 508452 Local authority Middlesbrough Inspection number 10264877 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 70 Number of children on roll 109 Name of registered person Acorn Kids Club Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01642 277407 or 07944 418577 Date of previous inspection 29 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Acorn Kids Club registered in 1993. It is situated in Green Lane Primary School in the Acklam area of Middlesbrough. The club employs four members of childcare staff. All hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above, including one with a foundation degree. The group opens Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 7.45am to 8.50am and from 3.15pm to 5.25pm.

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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 provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector spoke to children, to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector spoke with the manager about the leadership and management of the setting. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff working in 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

30 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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Inspection activities

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