Shotley Bridge After School Club

Inspection of Shotley Bridge After School Club St Cuthberts Church Hall, Church Bank, Consett DH8 0NW

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This provision meets requirements

Children are happy and thoroughly enjoy the time they spend at this welcoming and friendly club. For example, children from different local schools arrive excited and enthusiastic to seek out their friends. Parents say their children forge lovely friendships with each other and play cooperatively.

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This provision meets requirements

The caring manager creates a safe and welcoming environment for all children and takes personal responsibility to ensure the youngest children are fully supported. For instance, she makes sure there is always a comfy spot for them to relax if they are tired when they arrive, and ensures they always have plenty of fresh water to drink. Relationships between all the staff and children are caring and responsive. Staff know the children very well and are invited to play alongside them. They listen to their thoughts and ideas, and clearly have fun together.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave very well. Staff encourage them to be independent and take responsibility for themselves. Children demonstrate consideration and care for others. For example, they are polite, helpful and respectful towards one another during snack time and when they play board games. Older children happily help out staff, friends and younger children without prompt. Additionally, staff consistently support children to develop an awareness of the ways they can help to keep themselves and others safe.

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need to do better?

n The small team have a shared commitment in providing a quality service for the children and their families, which is fully supported by the dedicated provider. She is very open to suggestions on ways to improve the club from children, parents and staff. Staff work as a cohesive team and have a very good understanding of their responsibilities to keep children safe and secure. n Staff establish very positive relationships with children. Children respond well to their caring approach, which supports their emotional well-being. Staff help children, especially younger ones, to be familiar with the well-established routines and to know what is expected of them. Younger children demonstrate they feel safe, secure and happy. Staff support them to be independent in their care practices and this helps boost their self-confidence. n Staff listen attentively to children and take their choices and interests into

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need to do better?

consideration when planning activities inside and outdoors. Additionally, they provide activities that complement children's learning and interests from school. For example, children have opportunities to practise using their imaginations and design skills as they create racing cars and super-hero vehicles from metal construction sets. Younger children continue to perfect their writing skills as they

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need to do better?

9 January 2024 draw pictures and write stories for their friends and families. n Children are motivated and eager to join in with the many craft activities staff prepare. For instance, younger children show great enjoyment in helping to create a giant-sized space picture. Children of all ages work together with the talented staff, painting, sticking and printing, and are clearly thrilled with the finished artwork. n Staff encourage children to think about healthy lifestyles. For example, they provide a fresh fruit bowl that children can eat freely from throughout the session. Staff make the most of snack times to support children's enjoyment and social skills. Children say 'please' and 'thank you' and chat together beautifully without being prompted by staff. n Parents comment very positively about the club and the friendly, caring staff. They state they feel secure in the knowledge that their children are safe at the

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need to do better?

club and always want to attend. n The manager makes full use of the support available to her and works closely with other professionals when needed. For instance, she works alongside school special educational needs and disabilities coordinators to support the care needs of individual children who attend the club.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY498788 Local authority Durham Inspection number 10317011 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 50 Number of children on roll 40 Name of registered person Big Hands Little Hands Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07745 086 793 Date of previous inspection 3 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Shotley Bridge After School Club registered in 2016. The club employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The club opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am until 9am and 3.15pm 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 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 inspector spoke with the nominated individual and manager about the leadership and management of the setting. 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

9 January 2024 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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