Small Saints Out of School Club

Inspection of Small Saints Out of School Club St. Marys RC Church Hall, Duckpool Lane, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4EN

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive at the club happily and settle into the routine with ease. They greet staff and each other with genuine warmth, showing that they feel comfortable and secure in the environment. The setting is calm and inclusive. Children quickly engage in familiar activities, such as small-world play, crafting, mark making, reading and outdoor games.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave well and demonstrate strong social skills. They show kindness towards each other and interact with genuine care and respect. Older children naturally support their younger peers. For example, older children help younger children to apply sun cream under the guidance of staff. This promotes a strong sense of community and responsibility within the group. Staff act as positive role models, consistently modelling respectful language, patience and care in their interactions with children and one another. Children learn how to cooperate, take turns and resolve minor disagreements calmly.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff show genuine interest in children's ideas and experiences. Children proudly share their achievements, such as presenting a handmade golden lizard or inviting the inspector to watch a gymnastics routine they have been practising. These interactions reflect children's pride in their efforts and support their developing confidence and sense of identity.

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need to do better?

n Staff build strong, trusting relationships with children. They take time to talk, listen and offer individual attention during the session. Children feel secure, valued and confident to express themselves. This enhances their emotional well- being. n A wide selection of activities are available for children, catering to their varied interests. Staff present resources well, so children can revisit ongoing projects, such as craft or construction. This encourages children's independent decision- making, creativity and sustained engagement in their play. n Hygiene routines are well embedded. Children independently wash their hands before snack and recognise when they need to wear sun hats or drink water. These routines help children to develop healthy habits and support their growing independence. n Staff prepare healthy snacks freshly on site each day, offering a balanced and appealing range of options. Snack time is a relaxed and sociable part of the

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need to do better?

session where children chat, laugh and reflect on their day. This contributes to children's physical well-being and enjoyment of the session. n Children enjoy regular opportunities for outdoor play and physical activity. Staff

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need to do better?

10 July 2025 make good use of the available outdoor space to encourage movement and coordination. Staff join in with games when appropriate and ensure that all children are included. These active experiences support children's physical development, teamwork and help them to unwind after the school day. n Staff encourage children to share their views and make suggestions about the club's activities and routines. For example, children help to choose new resources or decide which games to play outdoors. This gives children a sense of ownership and helps them to feel that their opinions are valued. n Parents and carers speak highly of the setting and describe the staff as approachable and reliable. Feedback from questionnaires is used as part of the provider's ongoing evaluation and shows that families value the positive relationships and consistent communication. This helps to build trust and supports continuity of care between home and the club.

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need to do better?

n Staff communicate effectively with local schools to support children's smooth transitions. Staff collect children from classrooms and receive verbal updates from teachers. This enables staff to respond to children's individual needs and creates a supportive handover that helps children to feel understood and settled. n Staff are deployed effectively with leaders recognising and using their individual strengths well. Training is kept up to date and there is a strong sense of teamwork, where all staff understand their roles and work confidently. This means the club runs smoothly, creating a calm, purposeful environment that benefits children and staff.

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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 2743932 Local authority Gateshead Inspection number 10405853 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 30 Number of children on roll 76 Name of registered person Ingham, Sarah

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reference number

Telephone number 07919186768 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Small Saints Out of School Club registered in 2023 and is located in Whickham, Gateshead. The club operates during term time, from 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday. There are three staff employed by the club, who all hold appropriate qualifications at level 3 or above.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at club. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with the registered individual about the leadership and management of the club. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n Parents shared their views of the club with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club.

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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

10 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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

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