St Thomas Out of School Club

Inspection of St Thomas Out of School Club St. Thomas C Of E (Vc) Primary School, Sherwood Avenue, Huddersfield HD2 1RQ

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This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this friendly and inclusive club. They arrive happily after their busy school day, eager to greet staff and spend time with their friends. Children form strong and trusting relationships with staff, who know them well. As a result, children feel safe, secure and valued, which supports their confidence, emotional well-being and sense of belonging.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff provide a range of activities that reflect children's ages, needs and interests. For example, younger children become absorbed in small-world play together, creating roads for their toy cars. Older children enjoy football in the secure outdoor area. Children are confident and make choices about where and how they play, with staff on hand to support and encourage them when needed.

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This provision meets requirements

Children's behaviour is very good. Staff act as positive role models and provide clear, consistent guidance. Gentle reminders reinforce expectations and help children understand appropriate ways to behave. Established routines are well understood by all children. For example, when staff blow a whistle, children promptly line up before going outside. This creates a calm and orderly transition, supporting children's sense of security.

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need to do better?

n Staff support children to develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles. Children benefit from daily access to the outdoor area, where they spend much of their time engaged in active play. This promotes their physical health well. Staff also provide a range of healthy snacks and ensure fresh drinking water is always available. Leaders are exploring ways to increase the variety of snacks on offer, which will further enhance children's opportunities to make healthy choices. n Overall, children are developing confidence and independence in their play and routines. They choose from a range of activities and manage their belongings when arriving at the club. However, opportunities to extend independence during snack times are not yet fully embedded. For example, staff prepare and hand out food and pour drinks for children, which limits their involvement in daily routines. n Leaders and staff have good partnerships with teachers at the on-site host

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need to do better?

school. Teachers and staff complete a daily handover for younger children and share relevant information. This helps staff at the club to offer timely support and meet individual needs. As a result, children experience a consistent approach between school and the club. n Leaders build positive partnerships with parents. They exchange daily information at drop-off and collection, which helps to keep parents well informed

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need to do better?

9 September 2025 about their children's experiences. Parents value the safe and welcoming environment the club offers. Leaders seek parents' views through regular conversations and questionnaires. This collaborative approach supports children's well-being and helps them to feel secure and settled at the club. n There is an effective key-person system in place for younger children. This helps children to build secure attachments with staff and supports their emotional well-being. Key persons get to know their children well and share information with parents to provide continuity of care. As a result, younger children feel safe and confident and develop the independence they need to join in with play, and club activities, alongside older children. n Staff report that they feel happy and supported by the leadership team. They benefit from brief daily meetings before children arrive. All staff attend mandatory training, such as safeguarding, which supports children's safety and

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need to do better?

well-being. However, systems for coaching, mentoring and professional development are not yet fully effective. This means staff do not always receive the support and guidance they need to build on their skills and knowledge to raise the quality of practice further. n Staff make sure the premises are safe and well maintained for children. They complete daily risk assessments and take prompt action to address any hazards. All staff are aware of children's individual allergies and medical needs and follow clear procedures to meet them. As a result, children's health, safety and well- being are protected effectively while at the club.

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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 2844537 Local authority Kirklees Inspection number 10415635 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 63 Number of children on roll 100 Name of registered person Crosland Childcare Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07759406545 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

St Thomas out of school club registered in 2025 and is located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The club provides before- and after-school care for children aged from four to 11 years. They operate term time only, 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The manager holds a relevant level 6 early years qualification.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and manager completed a learning walk across all areas of the provision to understand how leaders and staff organise the environment. n The inspector observed activities and the quality of staff's interactions with children. She talked to leaders and staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke to children and observed their activities. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club. n Parents shared their views on the quality of the provision with the inspector, which were taken into account.

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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

9 September 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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