PLAY at St Mary's

Inspection of PLAY at St Mary's St. Marys Rc School, Church Road, Portslade, Brighton BN41 1LB

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive happy and excited as friendly staff welcome them into the school hall. Children greet one another as they sit down and have their snacks. They explain that one of their favourite things about after-school club is the staff. Children discuss that they feel safe and reassured. They know they can always seek comfort and help if they need to.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff encourage children to listen as they discuss the activities available and complete registration together. Children go to wash their hands before getting involved in an exciting cooking activity. They show a high level of respect for one another. Older children support younger children with tasks, such as tidying the pens at the colouring table. Children have a good understanding of the expectations of their behaviour.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff play a wide variety of outdoor sports with children in the large playground. Children learn skills in games such as football, netball and basketball. They learn to play together in teams and remind one another of rules. Children follow their interests and become engaged in activities.

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need to do better?

n Staff know how to support children's developing communication skills. They have frequent conversations and encourage discussions within small groups. Staff get involved with imaginative role play as children excitedly set up their own hair and beauty salon. Children talk about their own experiences of having their hair cut and discuss the jobs they would like to have when they grow up. n Children learn about good health. Staff talk to them about the importance of washing their hands before cooking class. Children also explain their understanding of a balanced diet and why they should not consume too much sugar. Children develop a good knowledge of how to make healthy lifestyle choices. n Staff provide children with a wide range of exciting activities. Children learn how to make pizzas and experiment with different ingredients. Staff check children's knowledge by asking them about different vegetables, for example. Staff also

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need to do better?

teach children how to use kitchen tools safely. Children engage in meaningful experiences. n Staff know how to extend children's knowledge and build on what they have been learning at school. Children become immersed in their games as staff play dominoes with them. When children recognise numbers correctly, staff offer them plenty of praise and recognise the significance of children's accomplishments.

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need to do better?

17 April 2024 n Parents speak highly of the managers and staff at the after-school club. They discuss that their children enjoy attending because of all the fun activities available. At the end of the session, staff take children to the door and talk to parents about what they have been doing together today. Parent partnerships are strong. n Children understand the behavioural expectations of the setting. They listen carefully when staff count down from five. Staff use phrases such as 'listening ears' to support young children's understanding. Staff also provide children with guidance on how to play safely. For example, when children are using scissors, staff remind them how they should be carried across the room. Children learn how to keep themselves safe and positive behaviour is supported well. n Staff involve children in planning activities that follow their interests. For example, they set up construction areas and run sessions focused on creations

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need to do better?

with colourful beads. Staff ask for feedback from children and frequently change the resources available. Children feel involved and explain that there is always something new and exciting to do at after-school club. n The manager has a clear understanding of his responsibilities. He knows the importance of ensuring that all staff remain suitable to work with children. The manager supports staff to undertake regular training to enhance their professional development. This includes courses such as first aid and food hygiene.

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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 2657974 Local authority Brighton and Hove Inspection number 10332945 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 40 Number of children on roll 70 Name of registered person Allen, Marcus

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reference number

Telephone number 07875767625 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

PLAY at St Mary's registered in 2021. It is located in Portslade, Brighton. The club opens daily from 3pm to 5.30pm, during term time. During holiday times, they open from 8.30am to 4.30pm. There are six members of staff who work with children, all of whom hold relevant qualifications. The manager holds qualified teacher status.

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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 observed the interactions between staff and the children. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the after-school club. n Parents spoke to the inspector and shared their views. n Children talked to the inspector and discussed what they like most about the after-school 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

17 April 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

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