Play Pals Childcare

Inspection of Play Pals Childcare St. Peters C Of E Primary School, Kildare Street, Wigan WN2 3HY

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This provision meets requirements

Children are extremely happy at this warm and welcoming club. They are familiar with the club's routines and confidently interact with staff. Children are very kind to each other and play cooperatively together. They take turns and encourage each other as they hit balls and shuttlecocks with racquets in the outdoor space. Older children are considerate of younger children's needs. For example, they turn the rope slower when skipping together and help them to recognise letters and numbers when playing a lucky dip game.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff know children incredibly well and are attentive to their needs. They are excellent role models and promote good manners well. Conversations between staff and children focus on their day at school, likes and dislikes and their experiences at home. Interactions between children are very respectful and positive. For example, children chat to each other happily about the swamps they make together in the sand and water area.

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This provision meets requirements

The environment is well considered, and children have access to a wide range of activities and resources. Indoors, they choose from craft activities, board games, and play dough. There is a quiet space available for relaxing and reading. Children are physically active as they play football, ride wheeled vehicles and enjoy drawing huge floor pictures with chunky chalks outside. Staff engage in play with children. They challenge them to hula hoop games and play board games with them. This motivates children in their play, ensuring that they remain engaged and are always busy.

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need to do better?

n The setting is highly aspirational. Leaders continuously seek to improve and are very reflective. They have a good overview of the club's strengths and have implemented effective systems to ensure that the club operates smoothly. This enables staff to focus on spending quality time interacting with children. n Regular supervision meetings enable leaders to further enhance staff's practice. Staff attend a range of training and have a good understanding of their responsibilities. They say that leaders are mindful of their well-being and that they feel well supported. Staff say that they are very happy in their work and find it rewarding. n Staff actively seek children's views and incorporate their ideas when planning activities. They plan exciting experiences based on children's interests, which helps to ensure that children are highly engaged at all times. For example, staff organised football themed events when children expressed a strong interest in

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need to do better?

the recent international football competition.

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need to do better?

17 July 2024 n Staff provide a range of food choices at snack time. They respond to children's suggestions about the food they would like. Children serve themselves accompaniments including salad, vegetables, fresh fruit and water. Staff sit alongside children, engaging them in conversation and promoting healthy choices. This means that snack time is an enjoyable social experience for all children. n Independence is promoted well. On arrival, children quickly settle and put their belongings away. They tidy away resources when they have finished with them and helpfully wash and dry their own dishes after snack time. Staff are mindful of the needs of younger children and provide appropriate support when necessary. n Reasonable adjustments are in place to ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) thrive at this club. Leaders have established strong links with the host school. This enables staff to fully

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need to do better?

understand the specific needs of children with SEND and to make appropriate adaptations. n Children's safety is a priority at this setting. Leaders and staff make regular checks to ensure that the environment and resources are in good condition and fit for purpose. Secure procedures are in place for dropping off and collecting children. Staff explain to children how the club's rules help to keep them and others safe. n Comprehensive risk assessments are completed by staff before they take children on outings in the local community. Safety measures, including regular head counts and the wearing of high-visibility jackets, are implemented well. This ensures that children are kept safe. n Parents are very complimentary about the club and would recommend it to others. They say that staff genuinely care about their children. Parents are confident that their children are happy, safe and enjoy their time at the club.

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need to do better?

They say that staff meet the needs of children exceptionally well, including younger children and those with SEND.

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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 EY541801 Local authority Wigan Inspection number 10350881 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 70 Number of children on roll 75 Name of registered person Play Pals Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01942 258647 Date of previous inspection 10 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Play Pals Childcare registered in 2017. The club operates from St Peter's Church of England Primary School and is located in Hindley, Wigan. The club employs six members of childcare staff, including the manager. Of these, three hold appropriate qualifications at level 3. The club operates from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 7.30am to 8.40am and from 3.15pm to 6pm.

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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 provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises with the manager. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the club. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n Parents and carers shared their views of the club with the inspector. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation.

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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 July 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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