Darlin Buds Ltd

Inspection of Darlin Buds Ltd Stifford Clays Junior School, Whitmore Avenue, GRAYS, Essex RM16 2ST

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This provision meets requirements

Children are happy to see staff when they arrive at the club. The friendly, long- standing staff greet them warmly, which helps them to settle quickly into their play. Older children make their own way to the club. Younger children walk safely to the club accompanied by a familiar member of staff from the host school. Upon arrival, children feel a sense of belonging as they sit at the table ready for the register. They merrily giggle and chat with their peers, who they look forward to seeing. Children say they love making new friends at the club and eating the 'yummy wraps'.

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This provision meets requirements

Children love the freedom to let off some steam after school. They enjoy games of football on the school field or taking on the challenge of the adventure trail obstacle course. Children work together alongside staff, who offer them ideas to solve problems as they negotiate the obstacle course. Staff celebrate children's achievements with them, building children's self-esteem. Staff ask children to think about whether something is safe, and what they can do to ensure it stays safe for themselves and their friends. This means children are learning to risk access environments for themselves.

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need to do better?

n Children thoroughly enjoy choosing from a wide range of resources, such as board games, art and crafts, construction toys and role-play experiences. These are mostly stored on open shelving that children explore independently. The choice is endless, and children comfortably ask staff when they would like to play with something from the resource cupboard. n Children show strong and caring attachments they have made to staff, when they invite them to help get their teddy bears ready for a party. Children appreciate the attentive staff and gratefully say, 'thank you', for helping them find accessories to match outfits for their bears. n The management team and staff have strong and professional links with the host school. The small and consistent management team and staff means children swiftly get to know them. Transitions for children are smooth, especially as some of the staff work at the host school and are already a familiar person to

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need to do better?

the children. This helps foster children's feelings of security and happiness right from the start. n The management team ensures the inside and outside environments are safe through daily risk assessments and safety checks. Children with specific dietary or religious needs are meticulously and continually considered. n Staff provide opportunities for children to develop their independence. They assign manageable tidy-up tasks involving all children to help them be

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need to do better?

14 July 2025 responsible, regulate their emotions and build independence. Because staff establish consistent daily routines, children become increasing independently in their self-care skills. For example, children know to wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. n Sometimes, staff do not always consider further ways to help children think about what resources they may like to play with during planned outdoor play, to enhance their enjoyment and engagement at these times. Nevertheless, children relish their time outdoors. They get plenty of fresh air and exercise during active play outdoors, which supports their overall well-being and physical health. n Children demonstrate very good behaviour as they play and explore harmoniously together. Older children look out for their younger peers. For example, when a child's shoe slipped off, their older peers assist them to put it back on. Staff praise these kind behaviours, which reinforces children's

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need to do better?

understanding of expected respectful and positive behaviours at the club. n Older children independently decide to help staff dry up the plates after snack. This highlights how they are proud to take part in daily routines, such as being 'daily helpers'. Alongside staff, older children's excellent role modelling contributes to the polite manners frequently displayed by the younger children. n Parents say how the club has significantly complemented their children's emotional well-being and transition to school. Parents express how the nurturing staff go above and beyond to communicate effectively with them. They fondly call it their 'second home'.

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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 EY455531 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10398220 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 28 Name of registered person Darlin Buds Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07915 059506 Date of previous inspection 9 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Darlin Buds Ltd registered in 2012. The club operates from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 9am and 3.15pm to 6.30pm, during school term time. There are four members of staff, two of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The management team and the inspector completed a tour of the club, both indoors and outdoors, to understand how the play environment is organised. Additionally, the management team discussed how they ensure the premises are safe and suitable. n The inspector had several discussions with the management team to explore how the club is led and managed. The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. Parents, carers and teachers from the host school shared their views of the club with the inspector. n The inspector held a meeting with the management team. The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the staff working in the club and a selection of other records.

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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

14 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

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