Pitstop Out Of School Club

Inspection of Pitstop Out Of School Club Deben Community Farm, Saddlemakers Lane, Melton, Suffolk IP12 1PP

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This provision meets requirements

Leaders and staff warmly welcome children to the club. They greet them with genuine kindness and interest. Staff help children settle quickly and support new children to make friends. They introduce small-group games, such as cards, and explain the rules clearly. This helps children interact, build relationships and gain social confidence.

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This provision meets requirements

Children's behaviour is exceptional. Each morning, staff revisit the rules through discussion and questions. Children eagerly respond, showing a strong understanding of the rules, risks and how to stay safe.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff build learning around children's interests. As a result, children gain a broad range of skills and knowledge. For example, they design and construct a large-scale catapult. They begin with a prototype using lolly sticks, then test new ideas. They explore elastic bands, weave them to increase tension and later choose a bungee cord to get the right amount of spring back. Children are clearly proud of their achievements as they talk through the process of building it.

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This provision meets requirements

Leaders understand the value of critical thinking and structure support to promote this. Through open questions, staff guide children to explore solutions. Children test ideas, make choices and learn through trial and error. This builds confidence and independence. Children develop pride in their abilities and believe in themselves.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have a clear vision for what they want children to experience. Their ethos runs through all aspects of the setting. They build on Albert Einstein's quote that, 'Play is the highest form of research'. This belief shines through in how staff support children each day. For example, in the woods, children learn to assess risk and challenge their physical abilities. Staff offer just the right level of support. Older children climb trees, balance logs between branches to build walkways, and make hammocks using wool. Staff teach a simple but effective three-point rule, that children must keep three limbs on a surface at all times. This helps children manage risk safely and independently. These experiences give children the freedom to explore and the confidence to push their limits. Staff remain close by to encourage and step in if needed. Children thrive in this environment. They develop resilience, physical strength and sound judgement as

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need to do better?

they play and explore. n Children experience the full cycle of growing fruit and vegetables. In spring, they plant seeds. In summer, they harvest their crops. Before planting strawberries,

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need to do better?

28 July 2025 they learn how to weed the soil. They care for plants and see the results of their work over time. Children also collect eggs from chickens on the farm. They pack them into boxes and label each one with the date. Staff explain why the date matters, as we should eat eggs within four weeks. These hands-on tasks teach children about food, nature and time. They build real-life knowledge, responsibility and patience. n Children gain confidence quickly. Staff teach children how to whittle with a potato peeler and how to cut sticks with a saw. Initially, staff place their hands over children's to guide them through the process. They then let go and encourage children to continue, teaching them to stay in the same tracks. Children focus intently and proudly say they are taking their finished products home to give to family members. n Leaders manage the setting with skill and purpose. They know what excellent

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need to do better?

practice looks like and monitor staff well. They observe how staff position themselves to oversee more than one area. When needed, they use walkie- talkies to call for other staff, allowing them to respond quickly to children's requests. They plan trips and activities that spark curiosity and deepen learning. Leaders reflect on their strengths but remain focused on improvement. New staff shadow experienced colleagues until they are ready to lead. This strong leadership builds a safe, ambitious environment, where children flourish. n Parents speak highly of the holiday club. They value the focus on outdoor learning and real-life experiences. They say this builds children's confidence and social skills away from screens. Parents appreciate that children play in all weathers and connect with nature. They also praise the friendships children form through shared play and adventure.

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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 EY548360 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10392105 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 126

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Name of registered person

Pitstop Out of School Club Community Interest Company

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reference number

Telephone number 07732681125 Date of previous inspection 2 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Pitstop Out Of School Club registered in 2017 and operates from a community farm in Melton, Suffolk. The club employs 14 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold appropriate early years qualifications ranging from level 3 to level 6. The club opens from Monday to Friday during most school holidays. Sessions are from 8am to 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed staff practice and children's experiences across a variety of activities. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector had a meeting with leaders to discuss how they self-evaluate the provision. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as suitability of staff working in the setting. n The inspector spoke to a small number of parents during the inspection. n Children spoke and engaged with the inspector during the inspection.

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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

28 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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