The Foxes @ St Marys

Inspection of The Foxes @ St Marys St. Marys RC Infant School, Victoria Road, NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS WA12 9RX

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This provision does not meet requirements

Although there are procedures for risk assessments in place, they are not always effective in identifying all potential risks to children.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children enjoy their time at the club, where they can relax and play with their friends. Staff support children's creativity as they paint shells with their favourite colours and cover them in glitter to create unicorns. Children play outside on scooters or join staff to play football. They benefit from the fresh air and open space while practising their physical skills. Children sit and read books and staff are on hand to support them with reading or homework.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children settle well and staff involve them in interesting discussions about their day and what they are learning about at school. Staff's expectations of children are high, and children strive to meet them. For instance, children take pride in sitting up straight and listening carefully during circle time. They proudly read out the golden rules to the group when they are chosen. Children demonstrate a good understanding of the rules and routines at the club. For example, they know to line up to wash their hands before snack. Staff work hard to plan and provide enjoyable and productive experiences for children during their time at the club.

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need to do better?

n Leaders conduct and review risk assessments regularly, but they are not consistently effective. For instance, on occasion medication is left in school bags, where it is accessible to children. However, once identified leaders take swift action to put procedures in place to minimise any future risk to children's safety. n Leaders collect practical information from parents at the outset. For example, they find out about children's dietary requirements and who will be collecting them. However, leaders do not always find out about children's background and prior experiences. Although staff generally know children well, this hinders their ability to fully consider children's individual needs. n Staff involve children in activity planning. They make mind maps together of the activities that children would like to see at the club. This promotes children's sense of value as they see their ideas being implemented. Consequently,

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need to do better?

children are engaged in activities that they enjoy, and they benefit from their time at the club. n Staff help children to practise key life skills. Children are responsible for their own belongings and know to clear and stack their plates and cups after snack. This supports their developing independence skills. n Staff encourage children to mix with others of all ages. Children behave well and show thought for each other. For instance, older children kindly pass on their

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need to do better?

19 June 2024 aprons to their younger friends at the craft table. Staff support children's personal and social skills. n Staff help children to understand their place in the world and how they are each unique. For instance, children make self-portraits to add to the club's gallery. Staff discuss different types of families with children. They develop an understanding of our diverse world. n Club staff work with members of staff at the school and nursery that the youngest children attend to support their learning and development. Staff plan activities to support what children need to know and do next to work towards their individual targets. This helps children to make progress. n Leaders support staff as they train to gain qualifications and enhance their skills and understanding. Staff report that the leadership team are supportive and that their views are valued and acted on. Staff enjoy their roles, some having been

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need to do better?

there for many years. Children benefit from their experience and continued enthusiasm. n Parents value the club and say that their children enjoy attending. Leaders seek out parent's views of the club using innovative approaches. For instance, parents can rate staff's handovers and add comments via an online 'scores on the doors' system. Parents opinions are valued and the continuity between the club and parents benefits children's care and experience.

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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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Due date

ensure that risk assessments are effective in identifying all potential risks to children, particularly around the secure storage of medication, making sure that it is always inaccessible to children. 26/06/2024

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2674239 Local authority St Helens Inspection number 10339512 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 66 Number of children on roll 96 Name of registered person The Foxes (Newton) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07714093507 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Foxes @ St Marys registered in 2022 and is located in Newton-le-Willows. The provider is a before- and after-school club operating during term time on the site of The Federation of St. Mary's Catholic Schools Infant School and is run independently of the school. Sessions are from 7.30am to 9am and from 3.15pm to 6pm. The club employs 13 members of childcare staff. Senior leaders hold appropriate qualifications at levels 3, 5 and 7. The manager holds a level 3 qualification. In addition, two other staff members hold qualifications at levels 2 and 6.

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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 provider 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 The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a craft activity. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. 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

19 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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