Mighty Oaks After School Club

Inspection of Mighty Oaks After School Club Brixworth VC Primary School, Froxhill Crescent, Brixworth, Northampton NN6 9BG

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This provision meets requirements

Children are excited to arrive at this friendly after-school club. They have access to a variety of stimulating and age-appropriate activities and resources. Children play a key role in planning their environment. Staff monitor what activities children enjoy, and create engaging opportunities based on their interests. For example, children have recently enjoyed playing specific board games in the after-school club. They are excited to join in a competition that staff have set up to see who the champion is.

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This provision meets requirements

Children of all ages remain thoroughly engaged throughout their time at the after- school club. They cooperate well with one another and share ideas to create exciting play opportunities. For example, older children help their younger friends to create magnificent dens out of fabric.

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This provision meets requirements

Children demonstrate they feel secure in the care of the nurturing staff. They seek staff out for comfort when tired or upset. Staff are swift to identify when children may be struggling. They offer support by chatting to them about their feelings and participating in quiet activities together. Children engage incredibly well with visitors, chatting to them enthusiastically about the time they spend in their after- school club. They proudly show off the crafts they create, and encourage visitors to join in activities.

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need to do better?

n Children are familiar with the routines and rules in the after-school club, and follow them well. Children arrive in an orderly manner. They place their bags and water bottles in the appropriate storage containers. They understand the need to wash their hands before sitting down with their friends to enjoy their snack. n Staff communicate well with parents. They share information verbally about children's time in the after-school club. Staff gather information about children's time at school, and pass this on to parents at pickup time. Parents are highly complimentary about the manager and staff. They value the nurturing, supportive bonds that staff form with children, and acknowledge how this supports children's well-being. n The manager supports the development of her highly qualified staff exceptionally well. She conducts regular appraisals and supervisions on all staff to identify areas of development. Staff have access to an online training portal.

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need to do better?

This provides numerous opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. n Children enjoy a healthy, substantial snack while at the after-school club. They have access to fresh drinking water and fruit throughout the session. Children

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need to do better?

14 March 2023 demonstrate a good understanding of appropriate mealtime routines. They understand the need to wash their hands before eating, and how eating meals around the table supports their safety. n Partnerships with the host school are strong. Teaching staff bring young children to the after-school club. They share information about children's time at school, and pass on any medical information. Staff use this information to provide additional help for children and support their physical and emotional well-being. n Children behave well in the after-school club. They are kind to each other, play cooperatively, and take turns well during activities. Staff take every opportunity to support children's understanding of appropriate behaviour. After completing the register, the manager encourages children to discuss the rules of the setting and why they are in place. Staff are excellent role models. They consistently

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need to do better?

demonstrate good manners, and are polite and respectful to children and adults. n The manager regularly evaluates the care she provides. She seeks feedback from parents and children. The manager uses this information to make well considered changes to her practice. This ensures the club continues to meet the needs of all children. n Staff are knowledgeable about their responsibility to keep children safe. They know the correct procedure to follow when a child has an accident. All staff complete regular paediatric first-aid training within the required time scales. Staff conduct regular risk assessments of all areas of the after-school club and supervise children extremely well during activities.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and staff all demonstrate excellent safeguarding knowledge. They clearly explain the signs and symptoms which could indicate that a child is at risk from harm. The manager and staff all know the correct procedure to follow when escalating any concerns to the correct authority. The manager supports children to develop strategies to keep themselves safe. They understand the impact of not alerting staff when they leave the main room. The manager introduces visitors to the setting, explaining the purpose of their visit and putting children at ease.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY444099 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10276253 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 45 Number of children on roll 78 Name of registered person Mighty Oaks After School Club Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 07508 659 017 Date of previous inspection 7 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Mighty Oaks After School Club registered in 2012. It operates from Brixworth Primary School in the village of Brixworth, Northamptonshire. The club opens Monday to Friday during school term times only. Sessions are from 3.30pm until 6pm. The club employs five members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The manager and one member of staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 7.

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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 and provider took a tour of the club. They discussed how the club is organised and the play opportunities provided for children. n The inspector considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during activities.

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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

14 March 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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