Stepping Stones

Inspection of Stepping Stones Connaught Junior School, Manor Way, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5JY

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This provision meets requirements

On arrival at the club, children show high levels of enthusiasm. They hang up their coats, put away their belongings and promptly engage in play. Staff plan the environment around their knowledge of children's interests to capture their attention and imaginations. Children demonstrate confidence in selecting resources to play with from the wide range accessible to them. Children explain that they love attending the club and their favourite activities are always ready for them. They comment that they can ask for other resources and activities. This helps them to feel valued and to develop a sense of belonging.

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This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy meaningful interactions with staff. They discuss their day and what they are looking forward to doing at the club. Staff ask a range of questions to prompt children to think critically and expand their ideas. For instance, children discuss how they can use toy diggers to fill containers. They try out their ideas and show joy when they succeed, helping them learn how to solve problems.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff are positive role models for children and help them to take turns as they play. Children of all ages demonstrate excellent social skills. They play cooperatively and willingly share toys and resources. Children organise games together amicably and enjoy imaginary play. For example, they enjoy using the imaginary veterinary surgery. They discuss their pets being unwell and needing to visit the vet to make them better.

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need to do better?

n The highly experienced and dedicated manager leads the club extremely well. He and his staff have a clear vision for the club. They seek the views of children and parents when evaluating the setting. This helps to ensure improvements in the quality of the service they provide. For example, the manager recognises that there is scope to improve children's independence skills further. n Partnerships with the host school are strong. The manager and staff regularly communicate with children's class teachers. Staff pass on messages to parents from the school to ensure continuity of care. n The manager places high priority on supporting staff well-being. He supports staff exceptionally well during supervision and appraisal meetings. Staff report that working at the club is like being part of 'one big family'. They praise the manager for always being there and for his support and guidance. n Partnerships with parents are strong. They speak very highly about the service

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need to do better?

which the club provides. Parents explain how staff are approachable and really understand the needs of their children. They comment on the good staff retention and their high morale.

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need to do better?

10 June 2024 n Staff have developed an engaging play space that is built on what they already know about children. They liaise with class teachers and parents to complement learning through fun and innovative ways. For example, children develop their sense of number while playing card games. n Staff support children's communication and language well. They listen to children with interest and engage them in thoughtful conversations. For example, they enjoy using a range of materials to make their favourite footballer. Staff introduce words to help children describe what they are making. Children are good communicators and express their ideas confidently. They proudly show their creations to their friends and staff. n Staff are good role models. They encourage children to follow the club rules and expectations. Children consistently listen to instructions from staff. They know the routines of the day well and enjoy setting up activities outside. Children

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need to do better?

enjoy taking responsibility for deciding on games they can all play with their friends. n Children have ample opportunity to play outside and be active. They confidently take risks as they carefully climb the climbing frame and jump down, landing on two feet. They skilfully bounce and catch a basketball. This helps them to develop good hand-eye coordination and become physically capable. n Staff help children to learn how to keep themselves healthy. Children follow good hygiene practices. They wash their hands before meals and after being outdoors. Mealtimes are sociable and all children sit together to eat. They enjoy the variety of nutritious home-cooked food.

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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 EY540405 Local authority Surrey Inspection number 10339355 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 103 Name of registered person Stepping Stones (Surrey) Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07747 013667 Date of previous inspection 12 July 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Stepping Stones re-registered as a limited company in 2016. It is a privately owned provision offering after-school and some holiday care. The club operates from Connaught Junior School in Bagshot, Surrey. It operates term time Monday to Friday, from 3pm to 6pm, and some holidays between 8am and 6pm. There are seven staff who work regularly with the children, of whom six hold relevant qualifications at level 3 and above.

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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 her evaluation of the provider. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including evidence of the suitability of staff. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector held discussions with the manager, staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The manager and the inspector evaluated an activity together. n The inspector viewed all areas of the provision used by 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

10 June 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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