Little Monsters @ Our Lady & St. Joseph Catholic Academy

Philosophy: Staff plan weekly activities which build on the learning and experiences Reception and nursery children have in school.

Activities: Children choose to use chalks in the garden to practice writing numbers. They respond positively as staff challenge them to count and write numbers beyond 20.

Skills , Knowledge and Behavior: Children demonstrate pride and delight in the positive responses staff give them. Children behave very well. Older and younger children work cooperatively together.

Communication: Parents say that they feel well informed about their children's experiences at the club.

Community Building: Parents and children are invited to share their views and suggestions about the provision. Parents say their children are very happy and are sometimes reluctant to come home because they are having so much fun.

Programs and Resources: Children are well supported to develop their knowledge about other cultures and communities. They learn about celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Remembrance Day and Eid.

Staff Training: Staff have accessed training to enhance their knowledge of the wider safeguarding issues, such as child sexual exploitation and the 'Prevent' duty.

Welcoming and Professional Staff: Staff form warm relationships with the children and are attentive to their needs. They notice and support those children who need a little more help to become engaged in activities.

Safeguarding Training: Rigorous policies and processes ensure that statutory training for paediatric first aid and child protection remain up to date.

Play and Learning Integration: Children have many opportunities to develop their language skills as they engage in two-way conversations with staff and friends.

Transition to Primary School: Staff complete regular peer observations and have regular supervisions. Staff are positively encouraged to develop their professional skills through further training.

Diversity Management: Children are also encouraged to notice the differences and similarities between themselves and others, for example by painting and discussing self-portraits.

Child Safety Management: Staff ensure that the environment remains safe and secure at all times.

Children's Safety and Security: Children are visibly comfortable within the setting, with one another, and with the familiar staff.

Happiness and Settling: Children confidently greet the club staff. Their familiarity with the daily routine is evident as they quickly organise their own belongings and wash their hands ready to eat a snack.

Nutritional Menu: A healthy snack is provided for those children who would like it. Children learn to develop healthy practices as they wash their hands before they eat.