A childcare club in Devon where “children are excited to attend” and “build strong attachments with staff” has been praised by inspectors for creating a safe and welcoming environment for young people.
Kingsbridge Out of School Club (KOOSC), based on Belle Cross Road in Kingsbridge, was inspected by Ofsted on January 12.
The setting, which provides childcare for children aged four to 11 and has 30 places, met safeguarding standards and was judged to be working at either a strong or expected standard across all areas.
Inspectors said the club has established a positive atmosphere where children enjoy attending after school and feel secure in the care of staff.
“Children are excited to attend. They are happy to see staff arriving to collect them at the end of their school day. They greet staff with smiles and eagerly chat about their day,” the report said.
“There are well-established procedures in place for transitioning to the after-school club that promote safety and wellbeing.”
The inspection highlighted the close relationships between staff and children, noting that staff know the children well and adapt activities to suit their needs.
“Children build strong attachments with staff. These help them to feel happy, safe and secure. Children demonstrate confidence and independence as they play. They are motivated and engaged in their chosen activities.”
Inspectors also praised the club’s inclusive approach and the support given to children with additional needs or barriers to learning. Staff were said to have a clear understanding of the health and care needs of the children attending.
“Staff know their children well. They demonstrate a sound understanding of the health and care needs of every child in attendance,” the report said. “Staff receive help from leaders to support all children, particularly those who face barriers to their learning or wellbeing, those who are disadvantaged, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”
The report noted that staff work closely with the local school to ensure children are supported consistently as they grow and develop.
“Staff meet with school staff termly to ensure a shared understanding of how best to support every child as they grow and develop, and their needs change. Staff meet with school staff when children start, to promote shared strategies to support new starters to settle swiftly.”
Children were observed enjoying a wide range of activities at the club, from arts and crafts to construction toys and outdoor play. Inspectors said routines are well established and encourage children to take responsibility and develop independence.
“Children relish opportunities to develop their independence skills. For example, at snack time, they are eager to help tidy toys away and clean tables ready to eat. Children enjoy the responsibility of serving their friends with fruit, crumpets and cheese.”
The inspection also found that children benefit from a safe and welcoming environment where their wellbeing is prioritised.
“Staff create a safe, welcoming environment. They greet the children enthusiastically as they arrive, promoting their emotional wellbeing,” the report said.
“Children’s physical health is well supported through plentiful physical play activities. For example, children enjoy taking part in ball games, riding scooters and playing tennis.”
Snack time was highlighted as a particularly positive part of the day, with staff using it as an opportunity to encourage conversation and social interaction.
“Staff use snack time well to promote social skills. They sit with children as they eat and chat with them. Staff supervision of children who are eating is effective and helps keep them safe.”
Leadership at the club was also recognised, with inspectors noting that leaders have a clear vision for the provision and maintain positive partnerships with parents.
“Leaders have a clear vision for their setting. They aim to provide children with a safe environment that is enjoyable to attend, and offer a wide range of activities,” inspectors wrote. “Partnerships with parents are positive and promote consistency in care.”
Overall, inspectors found that safeguarding arrangements at the club were effective, with leaders fostering an open culture where safety is a shared responsibility.
“The safeguarding standards are met. This means that leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed.”
