Scaliwagz

Inspection of Scaliwagz c/o Hodge Clough Junior School, Conduit Street, Oldham, Lancashire OL1 4JX

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This provision meets requirements

Managers and staff make sure that children enjoy their time at the club. They provide lots of exciting activities that ignite children's interests. For example, children work cooperatively as they build models with the construction bricks and play imaginatively in the pretend kitchen. Children also use a plethora of craft materials, which nurtures their creativity. There is a hive of activity in this vibrant club and staff are well deployed to help keep children safe. Staff also play with children and listen to what they say. As a result, children feel valued and build wonderful relationships with staff.

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This provision meets requirements

A key strength of the club is how well new children settle. They visit the club before they start, which helps to prepare them for their transition. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. This is evident in practice as older children are excellent role models, who adhere to the club's rules. They are extremely kind and ready to offer extra help. For example, as younger children struggle to fit the pieces of the jigsaw, older children give them lots of encouragement and support. This gives children the confidence to have a go and succeed.

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need to do better?

n Managers and staff have worked hard to maintain high standards at the club. They always put children first and ensure that the activities they provide keep children engaged and motivated. Children appreciate the wide range of activities provided. They also enjoy the responsibility of choosing what they want to play with. As a result, children are able to express their preferences and make decisions. n Staff guide and support new children to help them settle with ease. As a result, children quickly learn the routines of the club. As they arrive for the afternoon session, they know to wash their hands and get ready for snack. The healthy snack choices include fresh fruits and vegetable sticks, which children thoroughly enjoy. Children also have access to the school's outdoor play areas. This further supports their good health as they engage in physical exercise and benefit from lots of fresh air. n Staff understand the importance of breakfast consumption on children's

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need to do better?

learning. When staff identified that some children were not eating breakfast, they revised the breakfast menu to include a greater choice. As a result, more children are eating breakfast at the club. This gives children a good start and helps to prepare them for a busy day of learning at school. Teachers have commented that children are more alert and display higher levels of concentration. n Parents are extremely complimentary about staff and talk with pride about the

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need to do better?

27 September 2023 club. They are pleased that staff are flexible and allow their children to attend sessions at short notice. Parents are also delighted that their children enjoy the club and have opportunities to mix with older children. As one parent commented, 'My child now interacts with children and has become more sociable.' n Managers and staff ensure the club is inclusive to all. They expose children to different modes of communication, such as sign language, which helps them to converse with their friends. Children are proud of their achievements and showcase their sign language skills during school assemblies in the host school. n Most staff are qualified to administer first aid. This means they can respond promptly in the event of an accident or injury. Staff also undertake specific training, so they can meet the needs of children and staff with medical conditions or disabilities. This is a strength of the club, which demonstrates their

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need to do better?

commitment to ensuring the club is accessible to all people. n Staff work in partnership with teachers at school, which has a positive impact on children's behaviour. For example, staff use ideas from teachers to help children who struggle with change. They also work closely with parents. This consistent approach helps children to focus their attention and cope with situations that they may find difficult.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff are vigilant and know how to report any child protection concerns. They also attend regular training, so their knowledge is current and up to date. Managers and staff ensure children's confidentiality. For example, they ensure all records are kept in a locked cabinet. Staff are aware of the risks that children may face. As such, they carefully plan activities to help increase children's awareness of hazards. For example, children learn about road safety as they walk to and from school. They also learn about the 'PANTS' rule. This helps children to understand that their body belongs to them, and that staff will help if they speak up.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY253671 Local authority Oldham Inspection number 10311318 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 60 Number of children on roll 106 Name of registered person Scaliwagz Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01616286500 Date of previous inspection 30 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Scaliwagz registered in 2002. The club operates from Hodge Clough Junior School in Moorside, Oldham. The club employs nine members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold a qualification at level 3 and three hold level 2. The club opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 8.45am and from 3.15pm until 6pm during term time. The club also operates during some school holidays from 7.30am until 5.30pm.

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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 leaders and managers and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke to children and staff throughout the inspection. n Discussions were held with the leadership and management team. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day of the inspection. n The inspector tested out the club's safeguarding policies and procedures with the manager and staff. n The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of staff working with children.

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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

27 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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