Elm Cottage Out of School at Hursthead

Inspection of Elm Cottage Out of School at Hursthead Hursthead Infant School, Kirkstead Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 7PZ

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This provision meets requirements

The long-standing team strive to make children's experiences positive at this well- established club. Staff gather children's views and act on their suggestions. For example, they add new resources or try new activities that children have requested. Children show a secure sense of belonging in this inclusive club. They access the many exciting areas with confidence and benefit from a well-resourced and welcoming environment. Staff provide areas for children that may need space to regulate their feelings and emotions after a busy day at school. This helps to support children's emotional well-being.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff embed clear rules to help keep children safe as they walk through the school and back to the club. Children know the routine well as they wait in line to enter the club and put their belongings away. Children's behaviour is excellent. They help to create the club's 'golden rules' that they happily follow. Children look forward to rewards that they receive for positive behaviour. Staff praise children's efforts and proudly display their artwork. This helps to support children's self-esteem.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are eager and enthusiastic as they enter the club. They choose from the many exciting experiences on offer. Children's laughter is heard often throughout the club. They appear relaxed and happy as they move around, making choices about where to play. Some children choose to engage in energetic games outdoors, such as parachute games and football. Others choose quieter activities indoors as they relax, engage in activities and socialise with their friends. Friendly staff are always on hand to engage with children and support their play and ideas.

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need to do better?

n Managers provide opportunities for the staff team to develop professionally. Many staff are completing qualifications and all access regular training. This helps to enhance their skills and knowledge. Staff receive incisive feedback, coaching and support in their roles. New staff complete inductions and comment that they feel well supported. n Staff know children well. They show genuine enjoyment when spending time with them. Staff follow children's lead in play. For instance, children suggest that they make paper aeroplanes to fly in the wind. Staff agree and they begin to work together to create their paper areoplanes. Children enjoy challenging each other to see who can throw theirs the furthest. Children enjoy trusting relationships with the staff and are at ease in their company. n Children's good health is promoted well. Children wash their hands at appropriate times. They choose from a range of healthy food options, such as

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need to do better?

fresh fruits, and drink water to keep hydrated. Children comment that they enjoy

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need to do better?

24 January 2025 the food at the club. Snack time is calm and children have a sociable time as they talk about their day with staff and other children. n Children show resilience as they persevere during creative activities. On the whole, staff encourage children to think of their own ideas. For example, children try different techniques to stick the structures they make together. They use their ideas to come up with a solution. This helps to develop children's problem-solving skills and motivation to achieve their goals. That said, on occasion, children's independence skills are not fully promoted. For example, some staff complete tasks for children that they are capable of doing themselves. n Children have opportunities to re-visit activities that they enjoy. They particularly enjoy wrapping wool around circular cards to make pom-pom animals. They concentrate and pay attention to detail and are delighted at the result. Staff

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need to do better?

recognise that these types of activities help young children to strengthen their hands and fingers in readiness for writing. n Staff help children to learn about diversity during activities. For example, children enjoy writing their names using the Chinese alphabet. They explore Chinese foods as part of a role-play activity. This helps children to learn about different cultural celebrations and helps to prepare them for life in modern Britain. n Parents are happy with the service provided. Some state that staff 'go above and beyond' to support their child. Staff pass messages from school to parents upon collection. This helps to maintain effective communication between school and home. n Staff gather information from parents, such as medical needs and dietary requirements. They store medications out of reach of children but ensure that all staff can access these if needed. Staff use this information during mealtimes and

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need to do better?

supervise children well. This helps to keep children safe. n Staff work well with the host school. They find out what themes and topics children are learning about. For instance, children are currently learning about dinosaurs in school. Staff complement this learning well during play and planned activities. Children are keen to share the dinosaur names that they know and staff praise their efforts.

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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 EY313648 Local authority Stockport Inspection number 10367688 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 100 Number of children on roll 577 Name of registered person Elm Cottage Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07848437983 Date of previous inspection 20 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Elm Cottage Out of School at Hursthead registered in 2005. The club employs 12 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds a qualification at level 6, four members of staff hold qualifications at level 3 and two hold a qualification at level 2. The club opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Out-of-school club sessions are from 7.45am until 9am and 3.15pm until 6pm. Holiday club session are from 7.45am until 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an adult-led 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. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and the children. n Several members of the management team held discussions with the inspector throughout the inspection.

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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

24 January 2025 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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