Happy Days Club

Inspection of Happy Days Club Darras Hall Primary School, Middle Drive, Ponteland, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE20 9DS

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This provision meets requirements

Children receive a warm welcome to the club after their day at school. They run towards staff for a hug, showing familiarity and trust in them. Key staff ensure that the needs of the youngest children are met well in the club. Their attentive and warm approach helps children to feel secure and develop confidence in the group. They quickly get involved in the activities that staff have prepared and chat excitedly to their friends about their day.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff provide a wide range of activities that appeal to children. Children who prefer to be active benefit from access to the outdoors where, for example, they engage in sports, such as football and tennis. Indoors, there are plenty of opportunities to relax after a busy day. For example, children curl up in the quiet area with a book.

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This provision meets requirements

There are high expectations for children's behaviour, and staff communicate these well. Routine cues, such as clapping a rhythm to indicate that children should stop and listen, are familiar to children. They follow staff guidance and instructions and behave well. They develop positive attitudes and a sense of responsibility. For example, older children enjoy helping younger ones to settle into the group.

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need to do better?

n Staff weave children's interests into activities and involve them in planning what they will do. This helps to motivate children and they are keen to join in. Young children enjoy pretend play, taking on the role of 'mum' and 'big sister' while playing with dolls. Those who enjoy creative activities concentrate well, carefully choosing materials and techniques to design and make a flag. n There is a culture of kindness and consideration. Staff treat children with respect and model positive behaviours. Children reciprocate this. They involve others in their play and praise one another. For example, a child tells their friend 'your superhero picture is excellent'. Conflicts are rare and quickly resolved. Staff support children to understand the impact their behaviour has on others. Children negotiate and compromise during games and activities. n Children benefit from plenty of praise and encouragement. This contributes to

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need to do better?

their remarkable resilience during play. For example, they carefully rebuild a wall they have created when it falls. Children keep trying when they lose their balance on the trim trail. They show great pride when staff celebrate with them when they finally succeed. n This provision is highly inclusive. Staff build meaningful connections with children, and help them to appreciate what makes them unique. Leaders ensure that children who need additional support receive this, and can participate fully in club activities. Difference and diversity is openly talked about and celebrated.

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need to do better?

12 June 2025 Staff consistently promote children's confidence and happiness, which helps all children to thrive. n Staff teach children about ways to keep themselves healthy. For example, discussions during a colouring activity help children to understand the importance of dental health. They tell staff that the monster they are colouring has a green smile because 'he ate unhealthy foods and didn't clean his teeth'. Regular routines such as handwashing before snacks reinforce good hygiene habits. n Rooms are filled with chatter and laughter. Staff listen intently when children talk about their experiences, such as the pets they have at home and where they have been on holiday. Staff show a genuine interest and share information about themselves too. This helps children to develop a sense of belonging and they enjoy the opportunity to share their experiences. n Parents are very complimentary about the club. They appreciate how well staff

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need to do better?

know their children and praise them for the variety of activities that they provide. They report that their children love to come to the club and often do not want to leave. Parents are confident to share their feedback and suggestions with staff and feel listened to. n Leaders value staff and encourage their personal and professional development. For example, more experienced staff model effective practice and support newer team members to build on their skills. Staff have opportunities for self-reflection and benefit from well-being discussions with leaders. They feel happy, supported and confident in their roles. Morale is high.

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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 2754255 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10405887 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 60 Number of children on roll 300 Name of registered person Happy Days Club Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07960100011 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Happy Days Club registered in 2023. It is located within Darras Hall Primary School in Ponteland, Newcastle Upon Tyne. The club operates Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and two weeks at Christmas. During school term times, opening hours are from 7.30am until 8.50am and from 3.15pm until 5.45pm. It opens from 8am until 4pm during school holidays. There are 10 staff who work directly with children. Of these, five hold relevant qualifications, including two who hold qualified teacher status and one early years teacher.

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Inspection activities

n The nominated individual and manager met with the inspector to discuss how the provision is organised. They showed the inspector around the areas of the school used for childcare and talked about how they ensure that the premises are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed activities, indoors and outdoors. She talked to staff about how they meet children's needs, including those of early years children. n Children talked to the inspector about what they like to do in the club. n The manager and nominated individual spoke to the inspector about leadership and management of the club. n The inspector viewed relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability checks carried out on staff. n Several parents shared their views of the club with the inspector.

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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

12 June 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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