Bowerham Kids Club

Inspection of Bowerham Kids Club Bowerham School, Bowerham Road, LANCASTER LA1 4BS

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This provision meets requirements

The atmosphere at the club is joyous. Children begin and end their school day and spend their school holidays feeling safe and full of glee. They cheerfully choose activities to take part in that reflect their interests and talents. Children have plenty of open space to run around, burn off energy and develop their physical skills. They enjoy activities that broaden their scope of experience, such as den-building in the woods and pasta-making using pasta machines to roll out their dough.

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This provision meets requirements

The youngest children thrive here. They benefit from the use of specific areas and staff who are dedicated to their care and enjoyment. All children, from the very youngest, demonstrate confidence and self-awareness. They happily chat to visitors about outings they have been on as they make and eat their own snacks, surrounded by their friends.

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This provision meets requirements

Older children dress up and act out favourite films and books to the delight of their younger friends. Older children encourage younger ones to join in with their play. The buddy system helps older children to enjoy a sense of responsibility while helping younger children to feel included and valued. Children behave exceptionally well and are always keen to help staff with small jobs, such as packing away resources.

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need to do better?

n Leaders continually strive to make improvements to the provision so that they meet and exceed the needs of children and families. Staff say that they feel well supported and valued as part of the team. Their professional development is well considered by leaders. Training is regular and builds on their knowledge and skills. This is reflected in their clear enjoyment of their roles and engagement with children. n Leaders are passionate about providing opportunities for disadvantaged children and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They work tirelessly with a range of agencies to secure funding and support to enable these children to access their provision. As a result, all children benefit from the exciting range of experiences that the club offers and provides. n Staff have high expectations of what all children can achieve. They involve children in activity planning and are always on hand to join and extend children's

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need to do better?

play. Children and staff treat each other, the environment and resources with respect. Staff work hard to help all children learn to understand and manage their emotions. Consequently, children's behaviour and attitudes towards their play are overwhelmingly positive. n Staff help children to find out about and celebrate how they are each unique and

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need to do better?

18 May 2023 special. For instance, they find out what it is like to move to and settle in a new country from their friends' families. Children enjoy a sense of inclusivity and freedom of expression at the club. This helps them to become kind and tolerant young people and prepare for life in modern Britain. n Staff help children to develop their independence skills. Children prepare and eat healthy snacks and share learning with their families about cooking and family budgeting. Staff encourage even the youngest children to be responsible for their own belongings. This helps children to develop healthy and responsible lifestyle habits. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the support they receive from staff and leaders. They praise the considerate and flexible attitudes of leaders and the lasting bonds that children make with staff. Leaders offer a range of methods of communication to suit the needs of families.

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need to do better?

Parents access a good range of information about the experiences their children have at the club.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders and staff have a sound understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. They complete mandatory and additional training, such as on adverse childhood experience. This helps to keep staff's knowledge up to date. Staff know who to contact if they have a concern about the behaviour of a colleague. Leaders and staff help children learn to keep themselves safe. For example, children learn about their bodies and how to keep themselves safe online. Children's safety is very well considered at all times. For instance, staff follow a routine to ensure that entry points to the school site remain locked during club opening times.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY420604 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10285341 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 100 Number of children on roll 322 Name of registered person Bowerham Kids Club

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reference number

Telephone number 01524 63999 Date of previous inspection 3 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Bowerham Kids Club registered in 2011 and operates on the site of Bowerham Primary and Nursery School. The club employs 15 members of childcare staff for the before- and after-school club and a further 13 for the holiday provision. Of these, five hold a playwork qualification, and 13 hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 2 and 3. Two members of staff hold qualified teacher status, and the manager holds early years professional status. The before- and after- school club opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.30am and from 3.05pm until 5.55pm. Holiday provision is provided from 7.30am until 5.45pm.

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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 Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at the club. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation together. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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

18 May 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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