Abacus After School Club

Inspection of Abacus After School Club Branfil Infant School, Cedar Avenue, Upminster RM14 2LW

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This provision meets requirements

Staff greet children warmly at this welcoming after-school club. They encourage children to hang up their coats and sort their bags into boxes, offering the younger children support when necessary. Staff plan a range of activities with children's needs and interests in mind. Children happily choose where they wish to play and are quickly settled and engaged.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff have embedded rules and routines that support children to know what is expected of them. For example, staff count backwards from five and children stop what they are doing to listen to their instructions. Children generally behave very well, and the setting feels calm and purposeful. Staff are quick to offer support and reassurance to children that need it. They manage any minor behaviour issues swiftly, reminding children of the expectations and redirecting them to more appropriate activities. For example, staff successfully engage children by getting out a giant pack of cards to teach them a new game.

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This provision meets requirements

The relationships between staff and children are warm and positive. During outside play, children enjoy the company of staff and there is laughter as they play games, such as chase and tennis together. Staff also encourage children to show respect for each other. For example, during a game of dodgeball in the hall, older children pass the ball to younger children and praise them for having a go.

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need to do better?

n Staff provide a wide range of activities to meet the needs and interests of children at different stages of development. Some children state that after- school club is a chance to relax and chat to their friends; others say they enjoy having time to play outside. Staff engage with children in their chosen activities and the after-school room buzzes with purposeful activity and excited chat. n Staff encourage children to be creative. They provide a variety of craft resources and drawing materials, which children can access at any time. Staff sit with children to support and extend their ideas. This is particularly true for younger children, as they benefit from the constant reassurance of familiar staff. This supports their well-being as they become more confident in the club and get to know the older children. n Staff give children choices throughout the session. For example, they vote on what activities they want to be available, and they choose whether they want to

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need to do better?

be inside or outside. This gives children a sense of ownership and independence. n Staff prepare snacks for children that are varied and balanced. There is a selection of fruit available that encourages children to make healthy choices. Drinking water is always available and children are offered sugar-free juice at

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need to do better?

13 November 2023 snack time. Children comment that they like the food on offer and want their parents to pick them up after snack time to avoid missing out. n Staff make excellent use of the facilities to encourage children to be physically active in their play. They provide resources, such as hoops and balls, for outside play and make use of a spacious hall for energetic team games. This further promotes healthy, active lifestyles. n Leaders ensure the setting is well organised. Staff state that they are happy working here and feel well supported. They are aware of their roles and responsibilities and work together to ensure the smooth running of the session. For example, staff use a walkie-talkie system at collection time to ensure the correct children are escorted safely to their parents. n Parents state that they are happy with the after-school club and that their children are always keen to attend. They comment that the staff are friendly and

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need to do better?

approachable, and that communication is strong. Parents add that staff get to know their children very well and adapt practice to ensure all children are fully included and valued. n Staff at the after-school club communicate well with staff at the school, such as the children's teachers. For example, they share strategies to support individual children's behaviour or well-being. This ensures continuity of care for children and promotes a culture of safeguarding.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders have strong vetting and recruitment procedures to ensure staff are suitable to work with children. Risk assessments are robust. Staff have secure safeguarding knowledge to recognise potential signs of abuse and know the associated reporting arrangements. Regular staff meetings provide opportunities to check safeguarding knowledge. The building is notably safe and secure. The club environment is clean and hygienic, including the kitchen. All staff have appropriate food and hygiene training, and most are paediatric first-aid trained. The owners are often in the club to monitor practice and ensure policies and procedures are adhered to.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY496265 Local authority Havering Inspection number 10305494 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 107

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Name of registered person

Sharon Williams and Kayley Harrington Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 07903708764 Date of previous inspection 23 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Abacus After School Club registered in 2015. The club is open from 7.30am until 9am and from 3.15pm until 6pm every weekday, during term time only. There are eight members of staff, two of whom hold appropriate early years 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 viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the club. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the 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

13 November 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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