Simply Out Of School

Inspection of Simply Out Of School St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School, Dartmouth Avenue, Walsall WS3 1SP

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children arrive at the club happy and excited to be there. Leaders and staff greet them warmly and know each child well. Activities are thoughtfully set up in advance, often based on the children's own suggestions, helping them feel valued and engaged from the start. Staff and children clearly enjoy spending time together. There is a calm and friendly atmosphere where conversations flow naturally. Children confidently talk with staff about their day at school and their interests. Staff listen with genuine interest, responding with encouragement and enthusiasm. These positive relationships help to build trust and create a strong sense of belonging.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Staff model positive behaviour and remind children of simple club rules each session, helping to maintain a calm and respectful environment. Children display exemplary behaviour. They show kindness and care towards one another. Older children are thoughtful and inclusive, often helping younger children and involving them in their play.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children follow good hygiene routines, washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Staff give gentle reminders when needed, helping children develop healthy habits and take responsibility for their own self-care. Snack time at the club is relaxed and sociable. Children of all ages sit together, engaging in conversations and enjoying each other's company, building friendships across age groups. Children are encouraged to be independent, such as pouring their own drinks and preparing their own snack, selecting from a choice of healthy options.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders and staff show genuine passion for their roles. There is a strong sense of pride in delivering a club experience that is both enjoyable and inclusive. Children are at the heart of everything they do, which shows in the laughter, engagement, and positive relationships throughout the club. n The club maintains a strong and positive relationship with the host school, which supports continuity and consistency for all children. Staff communicate daily with teaching staff, sharing key information, such as how a child's day has been, any changes in behaviour, or messages for parents. n Leaders and staff build strong, positive relationships with parents through regular, open communication. They take time at drop-off and collection to share updates about each child's day, including the activities they have enjoyed. Parents' feedback is very positive. Parents say they feel a peace of mind while at work, knowing their children are safe, well cared for and enjoying themselves.

p.2

need to do better?

They say their children are often disappointed when it is time to leave.

p.2

need to do better?

9 July 2025 n Children of all ages enjoy playing in the role-play area. They use their imagination, pretending to cook meals, go shopping, or work in a hair salon. Children excitedly involve staff in their imaginative play. They carefully prepare pretend meals and proudly deliver them to staff, inviting them to join in the fun. n Children are free to choose if they would like to play outside or stay indoors. Outdoors, they ride scooters around the play area, dig and explore in the sandpit, or join in a fun game of badminton with staff. Indoors, children can relax in a quiet area with cushions and books, giving them a calm space to unwind. Staff check in with the children regularly and gently remind them to have a drink of water, especially on warmer days, helping them stay hydrated. n Children thoroughly enjoy exploring craft activities. They confidently handle scissors, glue, and a variety of craft materials to cut, stick, and build. Children

p.2

need to do better?

beam with pride as they hold up their finished creations, excited to show them to staff and their friends. Many children are keen to take their artwork home, eager to share what they have made with their families and celebrate their efforts beyond the club. n Children speak with excitement about the club's 'movie nights', where they enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate in a cosy, relaxed setting. Baking activities are another favourite, giving children the chance to get hands-on and follow simple recipes, and enjoy the treats they have made together. These shared experiences help to create lasting memories and a strong sense of community within the club.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2739528 Local authority Walsall Inspection number 10406513 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 28 Number of children on roll 25 Name of registered person Gill, Jasbir

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07737866601 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Simply Out of School registered in 2023. The club operates from St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School, Walsall. The club opens Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am until 9am, and 3pm until 5.45pm. There are four members of staff employed to work with children. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 and one holds a qualification at level 2.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed all areas of the club and discussed with the managers how these areas are used. n The inspector observed the children, the manager and staff and spoke with them at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to parents and read written testimonials from them to gather their views of the club. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including suitability checks and paediatric first-aid qualifications. n The manager discussed their procedures for safeguarding with the inspector.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

9 July 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6