Whickham PlayZone Ltd

Inspection of Whickham PlayZone Ltd Childcare Building, Laburnum Grove, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4AE

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This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in this exceptionally welcoming and stimulating environment. Staff greet children with warm, friendly smiles, and ask how their day at school has been. This helps children to feel safe and secure, and builds on their self-esteem and feelings of being valued. Staff talk to the different teachers when they collect children. This enables any necessary information to be passed to staff and onwards to parents.

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This provision meets requirements

Children relish the opportunities the outdoor spaces give them to be physically active in the fresh air. They giggle with delight as they go down the slide. Children work out if they lie down and slightly raise their legs this makes them go faster. They concentrate intently as they play basketball, determined to make the ball go through the hoop.

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This provision meets requirements

Children's behaviour is excellent. Children of all ages show exceptionally high levels of respect for each other. For example, they know to wait for their turn on the slide and not to use the slide until it is free. Children join together as a large group to play a game where they run across the tarmac. Older children ensure that younger children are fully involved in this game. They run at a speed which younger children can keep up with. Children are careful to manoeuvre themselves within the space to prevent bumps and accidents.

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need to do better?

n Children know they will have their snack as soon as they come into the club from school. They prepare for this by hanging up their bags and coats and sanitising their hands before sitting down. Children have a choice of foods to choose from and staff change the menu on a daily basis. n Staff are innovative as they help the children to practise the skills which they need to develop. For example, to help children to develop their writing and tell the time, they encourage children to sign and put the time on the register as they enter and leave the setting. n Staff consider children's individual needs and interests when planning the activities. They work together to share information and plan activities that children will enjoy and become deeply involved in. n Older children show an interest in younger children and ensure that all children are involved in discussions. Younger children animatedly respond to

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need to do better?

conversations, smiling in delight at this attention. n Children demonstrate high levels of emotional well-being and a strong sense of belonging. They know they can access any of the activities available and staff are there to help should children encounter any problems. For example, staff

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need to do better?

23 March 2023 and younger children work together to cut tape. n Staff are exceptionally kind and caring towards the children. Staff help children to be safe and secure in the club. For example, staff monitor the number of children throughout the sessions. They meticulously complete the register as children arrive and leave. n Parents are exceptionally complimentary about the service which the club provides. In particular, they comment on the wide range of activities which their children take part in. Parents appreciate how staff enable communications to be passed on from the school. They value the opportunities children have to extend the friendship groups they make in school. n Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is excellent. The manager and staff work in partnership with parents and the school to ensure that children and families get the help and support they need.

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need to do better?

n The manager consistently reflects on the effectiveness of the club. She has high ambitions to continually provide a wide range of opportunities for all children who attend. The manager and staff take account of children's views, interests and suggestions. For example, staff and children are putting plans in place for further developments of the outdoor area. n Staff teach children to keep themselves safe when using the internet. For example, children discuss with the inspector how they are allowed to play certain games and that these games are appropriate for their ages. n Professional development is strong. Staff speak very highly of the support that they receive from the manager. The manager implements systems to ensure staff's well-being is consistently supported. Staff say they feel valued and enjoy working at the club.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of how to protect children from harm. They know how to identify and report any concerns about children to keep them safe. All staff attend regular training, alongside meetings, to keep their safeguarding knowledge up to date. Staff make sure that the setting is safe and well maintained. The manager ensures that all staff are suitable to work with children. Effective recruitment and induction procedures help staff to understand their roles in keeping children safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY349454 Local authority Gateshead Inspection number 10276334 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 105 Name of registered person Whickham PlayZone Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 0191 440 1194 or 07981 820837 Date of previous inspection 12 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Whickham PlayZone Ltd registered in 2005 and is located in Whickham, Tyne and Wear. The club employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above, one at level 2 and two are unqualified. The club operates from Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.45am and 3pm until 6pm. During school holidays, the club is open from 8am until 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the club 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 club. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together. They observed activities in the indoor and outdoor learning environments used by children. n The inspector spoke with the manager, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n Children's records were looked at by the inspector along with a range of other documentation, including policies and procedures. n Evidence of the suitability of all those working in the setting was checked by the inspector. n The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their views.

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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 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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