St James PALS

Inspection of St James PALS St. James The Less Rc Primary School, Unity Way, Rawtenstall, Rossendale BB4 8SU

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This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this welcoming and well-organised club. Staff greet children as they arrive. They talk to them about their day at school as they settle in. Children form strong relationships with the supportive staff. This helps them to feel safe and secure. Leaders and staff work closely with teachers at the on-site school. For example, staff communicate daily with teaching staff to help ensure that children's needs are met. The club offers activities based on topics that children are enjoying at school. Children have recently enjoyed learning about space. As such, staff have prepared craft activities linked to this topic. Children are eager to engage and they concentrate well. Staff support children's learning. For example, they encourage children's counting skills as they play games such as hide and seek.

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This provision meets requirements

Children make independent choices at the club. For example, they choose from a variety of foods at snack time. Staff have recently changed the routines to give children more independence. For example, children take responsibility for clearing plates from the tables. Children have a tremendous time playing in the large outdoor area. Older children consider their younger friends. They pass the ball to them and encourage them to join in with the games. Children are well behaved and show kindness to each other.

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need to do better?

n Leaders and staff welcome children's ideas as they plan the provision. For instance, children sometimes vote to choose activities. This helps children to feel listened to and they have a sense of ownership in the club. n Partnership working is a strength. Leaders have formed effective communication with the headteacher and teaching staff. For example, staff follow the same behaviour scheme as the school. Children benefit from this consistent approach. Staff have high expectations for good behaviour and older children are good role models for younger children. This helps children to feel settled and secure. n Staff spend time getting to know children well and offer them lots of encouragement in their play. This supports children's emotional well-being. Staff encourage older children to buddy up with younger children during activities. Consequently, children are very happy and have a positive experience at the

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need to do better?

club. n Staff support children to have a healthy lifestyle. For example, children are encouraged to choose their snack from a choice of healthy options. Staff talk to children about foods that are good for them. This helps children to develop an awareness of healthy lifestyles. In addition, staff are fully aware of how to manage children's allergies and dietary needs. This helps to keep children safe.

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need to do better?

26 March 2024 n The partnership work with the school enables the club to benefit from use of the large outdoor area. Children have opportunity to climb, run, slide and explore. In addition, staff provide activities such as laser games and inflatable obstacle courses. These sessions help children to benefit from lots of physical exercise, which contributes to their good health. n Leaders and staff keep all mandatory training up to date. For instance, staff hold current paediatric first-aid certificates. They also complete food hygiene training. This helps to keep children safe. In addition, staff are encouraged to consistently build their knowledge. For example, staff access regular online training. Staff say they feel well supported and that regular training helps them to feel motivated at work. This has a positive impact on children's experiences at the club. n Parents are positive about the club. They say their children look forward to their

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need to do better?

sessions and are eager to attend. Parents also praise staff for being extremely supportive and kind. n Staff are sensitive to children's needs and provide a range of suitable activities to support each child. For instance, children can choose from group activities, such as physical play, or they can take part in quieter activities. This helps to meet all children's individual needs and preferences. As a result, children are engaged and thoroughly enjoy their time at 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 2652676 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10332905 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 20 Number of children on roll 221

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Name of registered person

Play And Learn Scheme Community Interest Company

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reference number

Telephone number 07764501092 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

St James PALS registered in 2021 and is located in Rawtenstall, Lancashire. The club uses rooms within St James The Less Roman Catholic Primary School. It operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 8.35am and from 3pm to 5.45pm. The club employs three members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate qualification at level 6 and two hold a level 3. The club also runs holiday sessions during the school holidays.

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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 manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the club. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while at the club. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate 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

26 March 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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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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