Appleton childcare provider praised by Ofsted for 'sharp focus' on learning

ABC Childcare, which has a club at Cobbs Infant School, on Wood Lane, received a 'good' rating from Ofsted following an inspection on July 25.

Since registering in 2015 the club has continued to develop.

It currently employs 16 members of childcare staff, with six holding early years qualifications at level three or above.

It is open for children aged between two and seven but in the Ofsted report it was particularly praised for 'preparing' children, aged three and four, for school.

It said: "They benefit from a sharp focus on learning, appropriate to their individual needs.

"Children feel secure in their surroundings and staff build strong emotional attachments with children.

"Staff who work with the youngest children are particularly nurturing when children need comfort and reassurance.

"Children listen to staff and respond well. Their behaviour is good and staff remind them to share and take turns.

"Clear routines are in place and staff have high expectations.

"The manager is well supported by the wider organisation and networking opportunities between the managers of other settings are strengthening.

"Parents comment that the out of school club provides a seamless extension to the school day and children are supported to continue their learning."

However, inspectors said the club did not earn an 'outstanding' rating because self-evaluation is 'not yet rigorous enough'.

The report added: "Monitoring of staff practice is not routinely embedded and the focus on professional development for staff is not yet strong.

"To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should build on self-evaluation and focus more precisely on establishing clear targets for improvement."

ABC Childcare, which caters for children with special educational needs and disabilities, opens during term time from 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm.

It operates from 7.30am to 6pm during the holidays.