The Den Club

Inspection of The Den Club St. Mary & St. Margarets C of E Primary School, Southfield Avenue, Castle Bromwich, BIRMINGHAM B36 9AX

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive at this welcoming and inclusive club happy and confident. They are keen to meet up with their friends and are quickly absorbed in self-chosen activities. Staff greet each child warmly by name. These interactions help children to feel valued and welcome and builds on children's confidence and self-esteem. Staff create a relaxed and happy atmosphere where children feel safe. There is a strong sense of belonging in the club. Children talk enthusiastically about how much they enjoy their time at the club. They comment on how they like being with their friends and making their own choices about their play. Older children explain how they have their own area within the club. They are responsible for ensuring they tidy up when they leave.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff provide children with nutritious hot meals each evening. Staff ensure special diets are catered for. They are vigilant about any allergies children may have and have clear procedures in place to ensure children's safety. Children have plenty of opportunities to be outdoors each evening. They show good physical skills as they climb carefully on tyres, demonstrate their skipping skills and take part in team games.

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need to do better?

n Leaders provide staff with support and guidance. They regularly review staff practice and provide staff with advice and training, where they identify areas for improvement. Staff have undertaken a variety of training courses to support the children they care for. n The long-serving staff who work at the club are also employed in the school. Consequently, they know the children well, what they enjoy and how they can support them in the club. Staff know what children are learning in school and find ways to complement this in the club. For example, they help children to practise their letter formation and mathematics. However, there are times when staff do not recognise when children would benefit from adult interaction to further improve their enjoyment in the club. n Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They ensure children are aware of the rules of the club. Staff acknowledge when children are helpful and

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need to do better?

kind to others. This helps to reinforce positive behaviour. Children behave exceptionally well. n Children are kind and respectful to each other. They readily share resources and are inclusive in their play. Older children encourage younger children to play football. They cheer in delight when they hit the ball into the net. This level of camaraderie helps children to develop new skills as they learn from each other. n Staff support children's independence. When children arrive at the club, they

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need to do better?

20 May 2025 hang up their bags and belongings without prompt. Children pour their own drinks at meal times. They are given responsibility to manage their own time, for example, when using electronic games. n Staff provide a broad range of activities for children to experience, such as sports, arts and crafts, construction toys and board games. n Children decide if they want to play indoors or outdoors. They are fully occupied throughout their time in the club and lots of laughter can be heard as they play harmoniously together. n Staff help children to learn how to keep themselves safe. Children are aware of any screen time limits. They learn how to use resources, such as scissors, safely. Children use ride-on toys with care, ensuring their way is clear so as not to bump into anyone. Children have a keen sense of their own safety and that of their friends. n Parents and children are invited to visit the club prior to starting. This enables

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need to do better?

staff to explain how the club operates and the activities the club offers. This helps children to settle quickly when they join the club.

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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 EY287010 Local authority Solihull Inspection number 10380834 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 24 Number of children on roll 68 Name of registered person Barritt, Pauline

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reference number

Telephone number 0121 747 2025 Date of previous inspection 26 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The Den Club registered in 2004 and is located in the Castle Bromwich area of Birmingham. The club employs four members of childcare staff, all of whom hold an appropriate qualification at level 2 to level 3. The club opens from Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.35am and from 3.15pm until 5.45pm. The club also provides a holiday club for two weeks during the summer school break and one week in October.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector spoke to the provider, who is also the manager, about the leadership and management of the club and viewed relevant documentation. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation to evaluate the effectiveness of the interactions with children. n The inspector spoke to parents and children and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

20 May 2025 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

20 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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