Stokenham Explorers

Inspection of Stokenham Explorers Stokenham Area Primary School, Stokenham, Kingsbridge TQ7 2SJ

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This provision meets requirements

Children are happy and enthusiastic as they enter this nurturing club at the end of the school day. Younger children greet staff excitedly when they are collected from their classrooms. Older children are keen to follow the routines of putting their bags and personal items in the correct places and join staff for snacks. Children form close attachments with the caring staff in the club. They rush to say 'hello' to staff and share information about their day. The professional staff provide a safe and caring environment. They show genuine interest in children's needs and provide attention to each child. Children benefit from a key-person system that ensures a dedicated continuity of care. For example, key people care for siblings to get to know the families well and to promote positive communication with teachers and parents.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave well and thrive in the club's 'positive praise first' ethos. They learn the rules and behaviour expectations. Staff gently remind children of the behaviour rules poster on the wall when needed. They make it clear when children are behaving well with the use of consistent praise. Children look forward to the reward of taking home the cuddly toy 'Sammy the Seal' for those who have shown positive behaviours, such as listening and kindness to others.

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need to do better?

n Staff set up play opportunities based on the interests and needs of the children that are in that day. They get to know children well so they can provide stimulating and engaging activities. They promote children's independence of choice and creative play to balance the demands of a busy school day. Children are confident to lead their own play and tell staff what they would like to do. For example, children ask to bring the hula hoops inside so they can practise what they have been doing outside. n Staff promote children's understanding and appreciation of the needs of others. They discuss similarities and differences and how to celebrate the achievements of their friends. Older children enjoy looking after their younger friends. They learn how to be gentle and build an understanding of providing a calm, caring environment for others. They build good levels of self-esteem and contribute to the strong sense of community in the club.

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need to do better?

n Children build healthy habits at the club. Staff provide healthy snacks of sandwiches and fruits. Children are keen to get into the club and see what they have to eat that day. Staff provide daily activities outside and promote outdoor play. For instance, they use the school forest area to make dens and play hide and seek with children. Children enjoy being active. They choose to go outside and play in the fresh air at every opportunity.

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need to do better?

29 September 2025 n Staff ensure the safety of children. They conduct regular risk assessments of the areas used and make changes if needed. There is a robust system to manage dietary requirements and allergies. For example, staff have daily registers with medical and dietary needs of children to support choices of which snacks can be offered and which cannot that day. These are updated regularly with parents to provide the best possible care. This helps keep children safe. n The club works closely in partnership with the school. Staff speak to teachers when they pick up children from the classrooms. They discuss children's next steps with Reception teachers and support them with their development in the club. For instance, they offer activities to support children's small-muscle development and share what they have seen with the teachers. Staff promote consistency with the practices of the school. For example, they use support

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need to do better?

methods identified by the school for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to meet their needs. They use the school cues for tidy-up time of blowing a whistle to stop and listen and blow again to line up. Children benefit from this continuity of expectations and support. n Parents are very happy with the experiences and care their children receive at the club. They find the staff welcoming and say their children love attending. Staff promote positive relationships with parents. For instance, they offer settling-in sessions, especially for younger and less confident children, which parents can attend. n Leaders and staff promote continual improvement. Leaders offer regular supervisions and additional training to support staff with their interactions with children. For example, all staff attended a recent conference and have come back with ideas of how they can better promote aspects, such as risky play, to

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need to do better?

build confidence, independence and resilience in children. Leaders and staff welcome the feedback of parents and children and constantly think about how they can improve what they offer children. For example, they use questionnaires and discussions with children to find out what they are doing well and what else the children would like to experience in 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 2826831 Local authority Devon Inspection number 10421184 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 20 Number of children on roll 40 Name of registered person Stokenham Explorers Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07967318114 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Stokenham Explorers registered in 2025 and operates from Stokenham Area Primary School near Kingsbridge in Devon. It is open from 7.45am to 8.45am and from 3pm to 5.30pm each weekday during term time. There are three members of staff working directly with children. Of these, one holds qualified teacher status, one a qualification at level 6 and one at level 1.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector held discussions with leaders, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The provider and the inspector discussed the organisation and planning of activities. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children as they engaged with activities indoors and outdoors. n Parent views were taken into consideration by the inspector through written testimonials and discussions. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including evidence of the suitability and training of staff.

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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

29 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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