Wise Owl Club

Inspection of Wise Owl Club Stalyhill Infants School, Stalyhill Drive, Stalybridge, Tameside SK15 2TR

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This provision meets requirements

Children's laughter fills the air of this inspirational club. The atmosphere buzzes with children's excitement and everywhere that you look children are immersed in play. Staff have created a play environment that oozes awe and wonder. They use their expert knowledge of child development to plan exceptional play experiences. For example, children learn how to knit. They design characters to knit and showcase their work to their friends. They giggle with delight while searching for bugs outdoors and are enthralled while playing hide and seek. Staff are exceptional role models. They have high expectations for children's behaviour. Children behave incredibly well and show phenomenal attitudes towards their play.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff promote children's large-muscle skills exceptionally well. They encourage children to run, climb and to participate in ring games. Children are fascinated while playing football and cricket. Older children support younger children to use climbing apparatus. This boosts younger children's confidence and they beam with delight as their friends support them in developing new skills, such as balancing. Children learn about healthy living. Staff provide children with healthy and wholesome foods. Children talk about the importance of keeping hydrated and why they need to visit the dentist regularly. They develop good levels of independence. Children help to tidy toys away and take care of their personal belongings.

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need to do better?

n The club aspires to the best of outcomes for children and their families. It reflects on ways to improve and develop children's play experiences. For example, through reflection, the club has redeveloped play areas to better support children's imagination. Children become immersed in their thinking skills as they travel to a 'magical fairy land' outdoors. Staff provide narratives that children build on, such as pretending the woodland area is an 'enchanted kingdom'. Children relish these moments and show high levels of engagement in their play. n Staff use what they already know about children to provide them with a first-rate play programme. They plan activities that keep children interested and motivated to play. For example, children enjoy making bracelets. They create artwork and are excited while making cards for their parents and carers. Staff work closely with teachers and parents to complement children's learning

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need to do better?

through play. This means that children get off to a flying start at this caring club. n The club teaches children exceptionally well about similarities and differences between themselves and others. Children learn that it is okay to be different. For example, they talk about how some families have two dads or one mum. Children are well-rounded and tolerant individuals. They develop a good

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need to do better?

25 March 2025 awareness of what life is like in modern Britain. n Partnership working is a golden thread. Staff keep parents informed of their children's time at the club. Links with the host school, local authority and other childcare professionals are built on mutual trust and respect. The club holds high status in the local community and it aims to be a beacon of exceptional practice. n The club gives staff's well-being high priority. It provides staff with incentives for their hard work and their dedication to playwork. For example, staff receive gifts of appreciation. Staff reported that working at the club is like being part of 'one big family'. Staff's workload is managed well and their morale is high. n A highly successful programme of professional development is in place for staff. Leaders reflect on the impact that training has on outcomes for children. For example, behaviour management training has equipped staff with a greater

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need to do better?

understanding of how to support children in managing their own feelings. Children take part in mindfulness activities, such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises. This helps children to regulate their own emotions. Children show excellent behaviour and are kind towards others. n Staff promote a love of reading. They provide a range of age-appropriate texts for children to read. Children read often and with accuracy. They share books with their friends and talk about their favourite characters. Children access the well-stocked library and enjoy taking books home to share with their families. n Staff teach children about important life skills that will help to support them in the future. For example, they teach children how to sew and cook. Children develop excellent resilience and develop a 'can-do' attitude. They welcome new experiences and challenges. For example, children enjoy learning how to play

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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 312382 Local authority Tameside Inspection number 10375967 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 74 Number of children on roll 112 Name of registered person Hall, Julie Elizabeth

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reference number

Telephone number 07768007859 Date of previous inspection 10 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Wise Owl Club registered in 1993 and is located in Stalybridge. The club employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, six hold an early years qualification at level 3 and above. The club opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.45am and 3.15pm and 5.45pm.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk. n Discussions were held with the leadership and management team. n The inspector conducted a joint observation of an activity with the manager. n The inspector observed adult-led activities and children during their play. n The inspector spoke with parents and carers during the inspection. n The inspector viewed a sample of documentation, including staff suitability checks. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector held a meeting with the headteacher and a member of the senior leadership team of the host school.

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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

25 March 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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Inspection activities

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