Golden Opportunities Childcare Service

Golden Opportunities Childcare Service Bowmansgreen Primary School, Telford Road, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 1PH

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 29 June 2016 8 January 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The setting has made significant improvements since their last inspection. It has successfully implemented changes in all the areas for development that were previously raised.  Staff work in partnership with parents. There is a range of information displayed for parents, including the weekly activity plans. Parents report they are very happy with the care provided. They say children attend for many years and see the staff as members of their extended family.  The management team has made improvements to the self-evaluation process. Managers now regularly evaluate their practice and share their findings with the staff team, and together they identify areas for improvement. Parents' and children's views are incorporated into targeted action plans.  The key-person system successfully supports children to settle in quickly. Children build close attachments with staff. They rapidly become confident and willingly share their

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Children do not always have enough opportunities to contribute their ideas to the planning in order to extend the range of activities on offer.  Children sometimes have to wait too long before they can move from one activity to another, such as when lining up to enter the gym room.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 provide more opportunities for children to make choices about their play, building on their sense of ownership in the setting as they contribute their ideas to the planning  review the organisation of routines to minimise the time children have to wait to participate in activities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's enjoyment.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the self-evaluation and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club.  The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff have a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They have a good understanding of the policies and procedures to follow if have concerns relating to children's safety and welfare. The manager has revised the system for staff supervision. They now evaluate their own practice on a regular basis, as well as having reviews with the manager. Together they identify potential training designed to enhance and strengthen their skills. This supports staff to enhance their engagement with the children. All staff attend training for first aid and safeguarding and update their knowledge every three years. The planning of activities and cultural events is regularly monitored by the management team. This ensures activities meet children's needs and abilities. Children learn to recognise potential risks in their setting and while on outings. For example, they pick up toys when they are dropped

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

on the floor. The staff work closely with schools that children attend. They share relevant information to provide the same continuity of care and to build on children's prior learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The well-qualified staff have a good understanding about how children learn and develop through their play and activities. This has a positive impact on children's achievements. While children play with magnetic shapes that they make into tall triangles, staff use the opportunity to talk to them about how their models look like pyramids that can be seen in Egypt. Staff promote children's language and communication skills. They talk to children about what they are doing and support them with their reading homework, which is set by their school. Children happily participate in games in the gym, ball games outside and using the large climbing equipment. This promotes and extends their physical skills. Children have fun making scented play dough. They carefully weigh out the ingredients and take turns to mix them all together. They have many opportunities to extend their writing skills through free drawing and are encouraged to write their names on their

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff spend time talking with children each day. They talk about their daily experiences at school and share any worries, concerns and achievements they may have. Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their independence. They wash and wipe up their own plates, cups and cutlery after snack time. Children learn the differences between right and wrong through the clear instructions and explanations they receive from staff. Children are provided with healthy snacks. Staff talk to them about eating food that is good for them and having plenty of exercise. Children understand the importance of good hygiene and help to clean the tables before snack time and wash their hands.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY346785 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1041411 Type of provision Out of school provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 4 - 11 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 85 Name of registered person Alison Forde

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 8 January 2015 Telephone number 01727 767772

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reference number

Golden Opportunities Childcare Service was registered in 2007. The club employs eight members of childcare staff, five of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The club opens from Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 3pm until 6pm.

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reference number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted 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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reference number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, 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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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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