Cranberry Whizz Kids

Inspection of Cranberry Whizz Kids Cranberry Academy, Cranberry Lane, Alsager, STOKE-ON-TRENT ST7 2LE

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This provision meets requirements

Children contribute to the planning of activities in the club. Staff ask for children's ideas and incorporate their preferences into the programme of play. Children share their thoughts in an assertive, yet polite, manner. This democratic way to plan and organise the club helps children to feel valued and enthuses them. This is a busy, stimulating and fun club. Children enjoy being creative as they make kites from craft materials. They run and exert themselves as they attempt to fly their kites in the spacious outdoor area. During the school holidays, staff plan regular trips, such as outings to museums, parks and nature walks. These trips and outings extend and enrich children's experiences. Children speak with great enthusiasm about an upcoming bowling trip, illustrating how they look forward to the fun and exciting programme of play.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff encourage team games to bring everyone together and children enjoy each other's company. These collective games are a constructive way for children to get to know each other. They laugh and shout to celebrate one another's achievements. Friendships flourish in this social setting. Staff actively encourage children to develop their talents. For instance, children who are learning to play instruments deliver a performance of their musical talents to their friends. This is done in a supportive and respectful way, and children show increasing confidence. Staff and friends cheer and clap at the end of the performance, helping to build children's self-esteem and emotional resilience. Children of different ages mix together and enjoy each other's company. Older children are helpful, kind and caring towards their younger friends. This is a happy club and all children who attend are settled and content.

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need to do better?

n Staff carefully check equipment and toys prior to children's play. They implement sensible measures to protect children. For example, after recent rain, staff deem some areas of the outdoor field too slippery for children to play safely. They restrict access to these areas to minimise the risk of tripping and injury. Staff are vigilant and children remain safe. n The club has operated for a number of years. Staff and leaders have established a strong reputation within the local community. This reputation is well deserved because experienced staff and leaders offer children and families high-quality care. n Parents compliment staff about the welcoming and friendly environment they create. They comment their children love attending and often do not wish to leave at the end of the day. Furthermore, staff have established sound partnerships with other professionals, such as local school teachers, to promote

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need to do better?

4 August 2025 consistency for children. n Children enjoy taking responsibility for themselves. For instance, they move freely around the club choosing what to play with. Children help to prepare the table for mealtimes and tidy away their games after use, without prompting. They are self-assured and confidently independent. n Exploring nature is an integral part of the club's ethos. Children enjoy playing in a large and well-equipped forest area, located within the host school's grounds. Staff plan daily outdoor play for children in nature, which promotes children's health. n Staff provide children with a balance between warm professional affection coupled with energy and humour. To illustrate, sometimes children seek emotional reassurance, and staff quickly offer them calm and sensitive cuddles. At other times, children giggle and laugh alongside lively and vibrant staff. Children relish their time spent in this club and benefit from nurturing positive

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need to do better?

relationships with staff. n Leaders pride themselves on offering an inclusive service. They adapt their environment and practice to meet children's different needs and abilities. Leaders ensure that everyone is welcome and included. n Staff morale and teamwork is a notable strength in the club. Leaders invest in staff's well-being. For instance, they have recently organised a spa trip to reward staff for their hard work. In turn, children benefit from staff who are passionate, happy and committed. n Leaders and staff often reflect on their practice. They know what they do well. Leaders and staff have plans to develop and improve the club further.

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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 305436 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10399138 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 48 Number of children on roll 124 Name of registered person Kirsten Forster & Susan Stanway Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 01270 879 282 Date of previous inspection 21 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Cranberry Whizz Kids registered in 1997. It is independently run and is located in Stoke-on-Trent. The club employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, six staff hold an appropriate qualification at level 3. It opens from Monday to Friday, during school term time. Sessions are from 7.30am until 9am and from 3pm until 6pm. In addition, the club opens during school holidays, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector spoke with children and staff at appropriate times during the inspection and considered their views and comments. n The inspector held a meeting with the provider. n The inspector took account of written comments from parents. n The inspector viewed all areas of the club, indoors and outdoors, and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working at 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

4 August 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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