First Steps at Winchelsea School

Inspection of First Steps at Winchelsea School Winchelsea Cp School, 4a Sleaford Road, Ruskington, Sleaford NG34 9BY

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This provision meets requirements

When new children start attending the club, they are supported by staff to understand the daily routines. For example, staff show them where to put their belongings when they arrive. They introduce them to the other children and help them to understand what to do at snack time. This helps to promote children's emotional well-being, resulting in them settling quickly and forming friendships. Older children recognise how staff keep them safe at the club. They say that staff know and see where they are and make sure they are doing the right things.

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This provision meets requirements

Children make choices about what they want to play with and are keen to do this as soon as they arrive at the club. They show their imagination when they play games with each other, such as with small army figures and blocks. They take it in turns to move the figures and confidently explain to visitors the rules of the game. Children say that their favourite activity is to play football. Outdoors, younger and older children kick balls to each other. They receive encouragement from their peers and staff to tackle and get the ball. Staff help children to develop their hand and eye coordination as they throw and catch balls with them. They receive praise from staff for catching a ball, helping to raise their self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n Staff are supported to reflect on their practice. They attend training courses to help promote the safety and health of children. For example, they complete safeguarding and paediatric first-aid training. Staff use the internet to gather ideas for different craft activities to offer children, encouraging them to be creative. This includes providing them with experiences to make pretend spiders and rosettes. n Children have opportunities to be independent. For example, when asked, they select cups and plates at snack time and make choices about what they want to eat. When children have finished their snack, staff ask them to put any food they do not want into the bin and to wash their plates and cups. Children do this willingly, listening and following staff's instructions well. n Staff offer children a variety of nutritious snacks, such as crackers and fruit, to help promote healthy eating. Snack times are sociable occasions, where children

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need to do better?

talk to staff about their favourite foods. Children say that they like honey pork and roasts. However, staff do not fully help children to understand the benefits that healthy food and drink choices have on their bodies and teeth. n Parents say that staff keep them informed about their children's time in the club. Staff share information with them about activities their children enjoy and any new foods they try. Parents say that their children often do not want to leave. n Staff help children to build on the learning they receive during their day at

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need to do better?

9 September 2024 school. For example, staff read books to children. They provide opportunities for them to count when they play a game of dominoes, helping to develop their understanding of numbers. Children use pens and paper to draw, developing their pencil control for early writing. n Staff reflect on the experiences they offer children. They ask children what activities and toys they would like in the club. When children ask for card games, staff provide these, enabling children to follow their interests. This contributes to children feeling valued and recognising that their comments are appreciated. n Staff implement the same rules and boundaries in the club that children experience during their day at school. This helps to provide consistency in promoting positive behaviour. Children understand these and say that they need to respect each other and not throw things. n Children show that they enjoy the time they spend in the host school

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need to do better?

playground. When they access larger apparatus, staff stand close by to children, to promote their safety. Staff remind them to be careful when they balance and climb while allowing them to take and manage risks themselves. This results in children confidently climbing across a chain bridge and jumping over objects.

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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 2686523 Local authority Lincolnshire Inspection number 10350754 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 30 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Lincolnshire Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01526 832518 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

First Steps at Winchelsea School registered in 2022. It is situated in the grounds of Winchelsea Cp School, Ruskington, Lincolnshire, and is independently run from the school. The club employs two members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 and one with level 3. The club opens Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 3.20pm until 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 provider. n The supervisor and the inspector completed a tour of all areas of the club. n The inspector observed activities, indoors and outdoors, and the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector carried out an observation of an activity with the supervisor. n The inspector held a meeting with the supervisor. She reviewed relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

9 September 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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