The Valley Kids Club at Newker Primary

Inspection of The Valley Kids Club at Newker Primary Newker Primary School, Waldridge Road, Chester le Street, County Durham DH2 3AA

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This provision meets requirements

The caring staff provide a warm and welcoming environment, where children can socialise and form firm friendships across the age groups. Staff know children's needs and interests well. They are good role models. Staff spend time talking and playing with children. Young children build strong bonds with staff, including their key person. Staff respond well to children's different needs and personalities. They provide interactions appropriate to children's ages and abilities. Children behave very well. They know what is expected of them and show that they feel safe.

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This provision meets requirements

Older children help younger ones with tasks, such as following routines to get ready for outdoor play. Young children settle in well from the start and are engaged in their play, such as when they role play with dolls. They are happy and confident at the club and show a strong sense of belonging.

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This provision meets requirements

Children create their own wraps using healthy ingredients, including salad and cheese. Staff encourage children to try nutritional foods, such as when they make fruit kebabs. This helps children to make healthy choices. Children enjoy sitting together in a cosy corner, where they listen to familiar stories. They play games based on a favourite book and use all of their senses. For example, children feel a variety of textured materials to represent experiences from the book and look carefully to identify pictures of the characters.

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need to do better?

n The manager is passionate about her role. The small staff team works closely together and are enthusiastic about their contributions. They share a vision for the club and are committed to making continuous improvements. One of the actions they plan to take is to continue to review the range of activities and resources available for children. They intend to enhance these even further. n There is strong partnership working with the on-site nursery and school. The ongoing exchange of information between staff helps to support children's well- being. The smooth and well-supervised transition from the club to school and from school to the club helps children to benefit from their after-school experiences fully. n Staff give a wealth of praise for children's efforts. Children are proud of their artistic creations, such as drawings of bears, and want to share these with staff and parents. Together, staff and children celebrate what they achieve at the

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need to do better?

club, for instance, by sharing a 'high five'. This promotes children's good self- esteem. n Parents are consulted regularly in discussions and through adding to a comments book. They say that staff are 'sunny and caring'. Parents greatly

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need to do better?

18 September 2023 appreciate frequent feedback from staff about what children do and enjoy. They comment on the range of fun activities that children take part in. n Staff encourage children to think about and discuss their emotions. For example, staff have introduced a worry box for children to use if they want help. Children willingly help with small tasks, such as clearing away after snack. They are kind and respectful. When needed, staff give gentle reminders of the rules, such as not moving about while eating. Staff and children talk about why this is important, which helps to remind children about how to keep themselves safe. n Children particularly enjoy playing outdoors with a range of equipment, including balls, hoops and cones. They like to make up their own games. Staff intervene with ideas if necessary. Children benefit from fresh air and vigorous exercise in the secure school grounds. n Staff hold many conversations with children about their experiences during their

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need to do better?

school day and at home. Children approach staff for comfort and reassurance, and share their thoughts and ideas. Staff consult with children for their views on the club and use these to inform their planning. n Children follow good hygiene routines, for instance they wash their hands before eating. When it is time for a change in the routine, children copy staff when they clap a rhythm and this helps to focus their attention. Children show independence such as when preparing snacks. Children make choices in their play. They learn to share and take turns and cooperate well in their play. All children demonstrate positive attitudes during their time at the club. n Staff regularly have access to professional development activities, such as a recent behaviour management session to support their consitently good interactions with children. The manager gives staff further support through supervision. She is keen to promote their well-being.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and her staff have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding the welfare of children in their care. All staff regularly undertake safeguarding training. They recognise the potential signs and symptoms of abuse. Staff know the local procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child or if there are any allegations made about another member of staff. The management team follows safer recruitment practices and carries out ongoing suitability checks for those adults working with children. Staff complete first-aid training, so that they know how to deal with accidents appropriately.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY458002 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10305585 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 48 Number of children on roll 71 Name of registered person Team Valley Nursery Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07557434406 Date of previous inspection 27 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The Valley Kids Club at Newker Primary registered in 2012. It is independently run and is located in County Durham. The club employs three members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. It operates during term time, Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.50am and from 2.50pm until 6pm. On Friday, the session runs from 2.50pm until 5.15pm.

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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 inspector and manager undertook a tour of the play areas and discussed how staff organise and plan for the needs of children. n Discussions were held with several members of the management team, staff, children and parents. The inspector took account of their views. n The inspector observed children's activities and staff interactions with children, indoors and outside. n The manager supplied a sample of documents for review by the inspector, including children's attendance records, policies and procedures and evidence of 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 September 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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