Lordswood Leisure Centre

Inspection of Lordswood Leisure Centre Lordswood Leisure Centre, North Dane Way, CHATHAM, Kent ME5 8YE

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This provision meets requirements

Children enthusiastically leave their parents to attend the holiday club. Their day begins with a self-serve nutritious breakfast. Children's laughter fills the air as they chat to their friends. The older ones are particularly kind and thoughtful to the younger ones. They put their arms around them for comfort and support. The children experience a huge choice of activities that promote physical ability. For instance, they can play football on artificial grass and explore the local woods. Inside, children play table tennis, have trampoline lessons, and build with large soft bricks. Visiting and resident specialist staff ensure that expert help is available to develop skills. Children can choose to mark make, read, or be creative with arts and crafts.

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This provision meets requirements

Lunchtime is a social occasion, where children enjoy their packed lunch. Vigilant staff are on hand to ensure those with allergies have support. Children enjoy discussions with the staff about healthy eating. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff model the high expectations that they expect to see reflected in the children. They ensure that children move between activities calmly and with respect for each other. Children wait for the staff to go over the rules and safety instructions. Children confidently recall the reason rules are in place. For instance, when staff ask them why they must not run around the trampolines, children reply, 'so you don't fall over and hurt yourself.'

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need to do better?

n The leader is the director of the leisure centre and has a clear oversight of the overall provision. Leaders and managers have a strong vision for the holiday club and continuously evaluate the service they provide. Children benefit from their highly effective choices and the excellent developments in the sports facilities. n Staff encourage children to build self-reliance at every opportunity. For example, children access their water bottles or pour themselves a drink at any time. They can choose what activities they would like to do or catch up with their friends. Staff consult children to contribute to the development of future activities. They know staff value them and their opinions, which helps to build their confidence and self-esteem. n Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities with diligence and love. They work with and refer to other organisations where needed. Staff consult parents regarding children's individual settling-in process.

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need to do better?

The manager works tirelessly to check on children throughout the day. She makes sure that she completes any training necessary to gain an insight into children's individual needs. She successfully implements her new knowledge, so

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need to do better?

6 April 2023 that all children get the support they need to enjoy activities to their full potential. n Staff create an open, friendly atmosphere that effectively promotes children's emotional well-being. They support children who may be anxious by ensuring the key person and the manager welcome them as they arrive. For instance, they walk them to the activities and keep in close contact. This helps children to cope with the day and develop confidence to try the activity. n Leaders and managers work exceptionally well together. Staff say their support and understanding results in high staff retention and many have more than 20 years' service. They value the special incentives and training they receive. Staff say the leaders and managers are 'like family'. n Parents are very happy with the provision. They especially like that siblings can stay together if they choose to, and age groups mix. Parents report this ensures

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need to do better?

the older children role model good behaviour and they look after the younger ones. They say this puts their mind at rest and builds trust. Parents are complimentary about the communication with staff. They describe a family feel to the club and appreciate the kindness and care the children receive.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff prioritise children's safety in this holiday club. The leaders and managers scrutinise all aspects of the leisure centre while undertaking extensive risk assessments. Staff recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and know where to go to report them. They are well informed about local and national safeguarding issues. They fully understand issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty, county lines and female genital mutilation. Staff are vigilant in supervising children. For instance, they use walkie-talkies to communicate across the large site and do a head count before moving on to different activities. All mobile phones are kept securely in the office and access to the leisure centre is secure.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY428426 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10280216 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

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inspection

Total number of places 100 Number of children on roll 71 Name of registered person Lordswood Leisure Centre Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01634682862 Date of previous inspection 14 August 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Lordswood Leisure Centre holiday club registered in 2011. It is operated by Lordswood Leisure Centre Ltd, in partnership with Medway Council. The holiday club operates in Chatham, Kent, from 8.30am to 6pm during all school holidays. There are currently 20 members of staff who work with the children. Of these, 17 members of staff, including the provider and two managers, hold relevant childcare 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 and the manager completed a learning walk of the holiday club and the inspector held a discussion with the provider. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the holiday club. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the manager, and together they evaluated this. n Parents and staff spoke with the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation.

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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

6 April 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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