Weston Link Club

Inspection of Weston Link Club Weston Cp School, Lambsickle Lane, Weston, Runcorn WA7 4RA

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children are relaxed and happy at this friendly and welcoming club. Children arrive at the club for breakfast or after a day at school. There are well-established routines that all children understand. Children quickly put away their coats and bags and go to explore the activities on offer. Children behave very well at the club. They stop what they are doing as soon as they are asked and come together with the staff to take the register and discuss the structure of the session. Children politely listen as each child is greeted and welcomed. Children decide in partnership with staff what they would like to eat and settle on two options. This shows that staff value children's views and that children have a voice.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy taking part in a range of interesting activities at the club. They use sparkly trimmings and long strips of paper to decorate paper plates at the craft table. Children concentrate hard as they cut the trimmings to the size that they want, apply glue and hold them down firmly on the paper plates. They patiently wait until the glue has dried, determined to achieve their desired design. They proudly lift the plates to show to staff when they are complete. This demonstrates children's positive attitudes and that they continue to try hard, even when something is difficult.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff encourage and support children to develop their independence at the club. Children carefully fill up cups from a water dispenser on the end of the table when they are thirsty. They help to prepare the snacks, concentrating hard as they peel and chop up vegetables. At the end of the meal, children clear away their own plates and cutlery and put them neatly on a shelf. These opportunities develop children's self-confidence and self-care skills well. n Staff plan opportunities for children to explore cultures different from their own. Children stop what they are doing to take a closer look at a traditional wedding outfit brought in by one of the staff. Children are fascinated as they look at golden jewellery and a sequinned dress. Staff discuss similarities and differences between wedding photos in an album and weddings the children have attended. These experiences support children to appreciate their similarities and

p.2

need to do better?

differences and prepare them for life in modern Britain. n Children get plenty of exercise and fresh air at the club. Children of all ages play cooperatively together in the large outdoor space. They enjoy playing ball games, such as basketball and football, using the trim trail and running around on the school field. Children who prefer a quieter activity choose a book in an outdoor reading shed. These opportunities support children's understanding of how to be healthy and look after their well-being.

p.2

need to do better?

18 September 2025 n Staff and leaders provide children with opportunities to reflect on and discuss moral issues. They come together with staff to discuss a range of topics in the regular 'five-minute message' sessions. Children are highly respectful as they listen to their friends and to the staff. All children have the opportunity to speak and share their opinions. They discuss why they should not take things which are not theirs and the impact this has on other people. This promotes children's understanding of what it means to be a good citizen and how they can make a positive contribution to society. n Staff are well supported by leaders at the club. They meet regularly with leaders to discuss any further training or professional development, which will improve their practice still further. Staff speak highly positively about the staff team and say they feel valued and love working with the staff and children at the club.

p.2

need to do better?

This demonstrates the positive relationships between staff, leaders and children. n Parents are full of praise for the positive partnership between themselves, club leaders and staff. They report that there is a carefully planned settling procedure, where lots of information is shared between themselves, the club and other settings the children may attend. This enables children to feel emotionally secure and to settle quickly. n Club leaders work in a strong partnership with the co-located school. They are proactive in sharing information in order to make the transition from school to club, and vice-versa, as smooth as possible. They share resources and club staff are welcome to take part in school professional development sessions when appropriate. This strong partnership working ensures that there is consistency in the care and support for children.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2739979 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10399927 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 50 Number of children on roll 78 Name of registered person Knowles, Marisa Julie

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01514202259 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Weston Link Club registered in 2023. The club is independently run and operates from Weston Primary School in Weston Village, Runcorn. The club employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The club opens from Monday to Friday during term-times only. Sessions are from 7.30am until 9am and 3.10pm until 6pm.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and the children. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

18 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6