Conkers After School Club

Inspection of Conkers After School Club Church Road, Saughall, CHESTER CH1 6EP

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This provision meets requirements

Staff collect the children from school and safely walk a short distance to the club. Children follow instructions to walk in a line and stay close to the railings. They arrive happy and are eager to see what exciting play activities have been planned.

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This provision meets requirements

Children interact with their friends well and they invite each other into their play. They display good manners as they say please and thank you and are reminded by staff not to talk while eating food. Children are very aware of the rules at the club. For example, they follow the 'table rules' during snack time and access the large play equipment safely. Children's behaviour is good.

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This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating experiences, both inside and outdoors. For example, older children show great coordination as they kick balls and knock down skittles. Younger children have opportunities to lead their own play and explore different uses for soil, such as imaginary food for the animals. Children burn off energy as they access the unique large indoor play equipment. They climb up steps and navigate their bodies through rotating rollers. This encourages children to be active in fun ways and supports their physical skills.

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need to do better?

n The staff team are dedicated to providing high-quality care and fun play experiences for children. Staff have supervision meetings and receive professional development opportunities to further improve their individual skills and knowledge. They consistently observe what children enjoy doing and how the environment supports this, with additional focus on young children. From this, relevant adaptions are made and the impact of the changes are regularly reviewed. n Staff deploy themselves well. They continually talk to children and take part in interesting conversations. For example, they talk about the children's day at school and events at home, such as holidays they are going on. Staff ask children questions, listen to what they have to say and acknowledge their preferences and views. However, occasionally, some staff do not call children by their correct names. During these times, children are not aware that they are

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need to do better?

being spoken to and do not always respond to instructions given. n Staff gather information from teachers at the neighbouring school about what children are learning, their development and interests. Young children sit contently with staff and read books and recall stories that interest them. The communication with the teachers helps staff to plan appropriate activities at the club that complement children's learning further. n Partnerships with parents are good. Staff regularly talk with parents, pass on

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need to do better?

16 June 2023 messages from teachers and update them with what activities their children have enjoyed at the club. Parents say that the staff are lovely and their children really enjoy attending. n Staff promote children's good health well. For example, children are reminded of the importance of having regular drinks in the hot weather. They discuss healthy foods and how things taste and grow. Children are inquisitive and have an eagerness to learn more. For instance, they wonder how seeds grow and talk about the ideal weather conditions that they need. This helps promote children's understanding of leading healthy lifestyles. n All the staff that work at the club also work at a nursery close by throughout the day. A majority of the children have previously attended this nursery before transitioning on to school. These arrangements result in children developing close and trusting relationships with familiar staff and they appear emotionally

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need to do better?

secure. n Staff encourage children to carry out routine tasks for themselves. For instance, children hang up their bags when they arrive, serve their own snack and wash their hands, before and after eating. As a result, children display high self- esteem, confidence and independence.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have a good understanding of their role and responsibilities to safeguard children. They know the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow if they have any concerns. Staff are aware of the potential dangers of children or their families being drawn into illegal activities within their local community. Robust recruitment procedures are in place and checks are carried out to ensure that all people working with children are suitable. Staff risk assess the premises each day. They eliminate any potential hazards and continually monitor and reflect on any accidents that take place. This helps to ensure that children are safe while attending the club.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY457713 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10295479 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 30 Number of children on roll 69 Name of registered person Chestnut House Day Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01244880371 Date of previous inspection 13 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Conkers After School Club registered in 2012. They are located in Saugall, Chester. The club is open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am until 8.40am and 3pm until 6pm, during term time and from 7.30am until 6pm, during school holidays. It closes for one week at Christmas and bank holidays. The club employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, four staff hold an appropriate childcare qualification.

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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 managers and has taken that into account in their evaluation. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the after-school club. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of activities being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children. n Parents shared their views of the after-school club with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the after-school club.

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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

16 June 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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