St Marys Breakfast and Afterschool Club

Inspection of St Marys Breakfast and Afterschool Club St Marys Catholic Primary School, Northwood Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 2EY

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This provision meets requirements

Staff appreciate that children may have had an active day at school. They carefully plan the environment and play opportunities to ensure they meet the needs of the children. There is a friendly family feel at the club. The children look out for each other. For instance, older children share the small construction bricks with their younger peers so that they can join in with the activity. Children of all ages are eager to come into the club to meet up with friends and staff.

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This provision meets requirements

The manager has implemented extremely effective settling-in procedures. All staff get to know children's personalities well. This includes their likes and dislikes. Younger children receive effective support from their key person. This helps staff establish secure and trusting relationships with children, who settle quickly and feel safe and secure at the club. Children have a positive sense of belonging and high levels of self-esteem and well-being. They enjoy the company of other children and staff and show pride in their club.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff attentively listen to the children who wish to talk about what they have been doing at school. They have a genuine interest in the children's day and any future plans they might have. The children know the daily routines and enjoy a challenge. For instance, they like to see how quickly they can come into the club and register.

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need to do better?

n The manager is extremely enthusiastic about her role in supporting children and their families. The staff team works well together to ensure that they provide good-quality experiences for the children attending. For instance, they regularly complete online training to help develop their skills and knowledge. Staff are vigilant and deployed effectively throughout the session to keep children safe at all times. Staff state that they feel valued and very supported in their role. n Children have an array of opportunities to play outside. For instance, they climb on the large play equipment. Children take managed risks in their play as they develop their physical skills and strengthen their muscles. The children enjoy playing tennis with the staff. The staff make effective use of praise as they recognise the children's perseverance at tasks and achievements. For example, staff congratulate the children as they skilfully rally the ball to friends and

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need to do better?

develop their coordination and awareness of the space around them. n Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. The children are exceptionally well behaved. They are kind to their friends and polite. They share resources and listen to each other's ideas. For instance, the children play a helicopter game in the hall. They make up new rules to extend the game, such as receiving points if their helicopter lands in the bucket. The staff explain how

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need to do better?

12 June 2024 to rub the straw attached to the propeller blades between the palms of their hands to make the helicopter fly. They patiently support those children struggling to master the skill. Consequently, children have a real sense of achievement when eventually they manage to make their helicopter fly. n The manager has established positive partnerships with parents. The staff communicate with parents daily and talk about what their children have enjoyed doing while at the club. Parents report that their children thoroughly enjoy the different activities that they take part in. They state that their children always want to stay at the club and get very upset if they collect them early. n The manager has a secure working relationship with the staff at the school. There is a good exchange of information between staff, teachers and parents to ensure the needs of the children are always met. For instance, staff

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need to do better?

communicate regularly with teachers and pass on any information shared from them with parents. The manager successfully provides children with a positive and consistent link between the school and the club. n Creativity is a strong focus at the club. Children enjoy dressing up and engage in role play as they use their imagination to develop their social skills. The children collaborate with friends as they engage in large construction activities. For example, staff provide children with a variety of blankets and covers. The children develop their problem-solving skills as they build elaborate dens to hide out and relax in. There is a real sense of enjoyment and lots of laughter at the club as the children immerse themselves in their chosen activities.

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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 EY435412 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10350991 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 80 Number of children on roll 140 Name of registered person Kindergarten Kids Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01227 272692 Date of previous inspection 25 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

St Marys Breakfast and Afterschool Club registered in 2011. It is one of four settings run by Kindergarten Kids Ltd. The club operates from St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Whitstable, Kent. The breakfast club is open from 7.30am to 8.30am and the after-school club from 3.15pm to 6pm. The clubs operate Monday to Friday during term time only. The provider employs nine members of staff to work at the club, of whom eight hold a relevant childcare qualification at level 2 or above.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the club has 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 club. n The inspector observed the daily routine and practice and discussed the organisation and management of the after-school club with the manager. n At convenient times during the inspection the inspector spoke to the staff and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager and deputy manager. n Parents shared their views of the club with the inspector through face-to face discussions and written testimonials. n The inspector reviewed staff's suitability checks and evidence of paediatric first- aid training.

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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

12 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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