Swallowfield After School Club

Inspection of Swallowfield After School Club Swallowfield Lower School, Weathercock Close, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8SL

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This provision meets requirements

Children have fun during their time in the club. They contribute their ideas for the activities they would like to take part in, helping staff set out the rooms to provide the resources that children enjoy and benefit from. For example, children choose if they would like to play inside or outside. They find stop watches so that they can time each other running around a track on the field. They compare their times and are proud of their achievements. Meanwhile, other children decide to plant herb seeds in pots. They plan to care for the seeds while they germinate and talk about how they can do this over the coming weeks.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave very well. Staff encourage them to follow simple and clear rules. Older children are positive role models for their younger friends, contributing to the harmonious and relaxed atmosphere. Staff encourage children to follow their interests. Children lead activities and short sessions in 'master classes'. For example, they support younger children to develop new skills in football. Others teach children how to knit. While they play together, staff help children reflect on the school's own 'value of the month'. This provides a consistent approach to aspects of behaviour, such as honesty and kindness.

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need to do better?

n Staff interact very well with children. They join their games and experiments, adding their own ideas to help extend children's initial plans. Children develop warm and trusting relationships with staff. This helps them feel secure. Staff recognise when children are feeling tired or upset. They provide quiet areas for children to relax and to regulate their emotions after a busy day at school and offer support and comfort when necessary. As a result, children feel valued and quickly settle in the club. n Staff work closely with staff from both the lower and primary schools to help ensure that children with any additional needs are well supported. They regularly meet with key members of staff responsible for the well-being and care of children to ensure there is a consistent approach to their support and that any information that needs to be shared to support the very best interests of children is appropriately managed. As a result, the health and welfare of children

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need to do better?

is effectively supported. n When children first join the club, parents provide detailed information to staff. This includes details of children's interests and relevant medical information. This helps ensure that the breakfast and snacks provided are nutritious and suitable. Any allergies are clearly communicated to the whole staff team, helping to make sure children do not come into contact with items that can impact their health. n Staff communicate well with parents. They tell them about the experiences

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need to do better?

1 May 2025 children have had in the club and, after seeking permission to do so, pass on messages from teachers and school staff. Parents report they are very happy with the communication and the club in general. They feel they can speak to any member of the staff team to share any concerns or ideas they might have about the club. n Children are pleased when they are given roles to help complete tasks in the club. For example, they read out the register and count the number of children at the beginning of the after-school session. Other children wash their hands and serve the snack to each child under the supervision of staff. All the children quickly and efficiently tidy up the rooms and playground before they start a new activity or in preparation to go home at the end of the day. As a result, children take pride in the club. They build their self-esteem through the respect and trust staff show them, helping them feel valued.

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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 EY422911 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10380639 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 64 Number of children on roll 98 Name of registered person Tierney, Joanne Bernadette

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reference number

Telephone number 01908582101 Date of previous inspection 18 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Swallowfield After School Club registered in 2011. It employs four members of childcare staff. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The club opens from Monday until Thursday from 3.30pm to 6pm and between 3.30pm until 5.30pm on Fridays. The breakfast club is open Monday to Friday 7.45am until 8.45am. The club operates in term time only.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed activities and interactions, both inside and outdoors. She spoke to children and staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The manager took the inspector on a learning walk. They discussed the resources and activities available and how these reflect the needs of the children. n The inspector viewed a range of documents including the evidence of the checks of suitability of staff, attendance registers and the staff qualifications. n The inspector discussed aspects, including the recruitment of staff, communication with school staff and assessments of risk, with the manager. n The inspector spoke to a small number of parents and took their views into consideration in her evaluation of the provision.

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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

1 May 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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