Play Aloud Samuel Lucas

Play Aloud Samuel Lucas Samuel Lucas Junior Middle And Infant School, Gaping Lane, Hitchin, SG5 2JQ

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 6 February 2017 Not applicable

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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

 Children use construction toys and small figures imaginatively to create their own stories. They confidently use role play resources and dressing up clothes as they make up their own games and have fun with their peers.  The manager is effective in promoting opportunities for staff's continuous professional development. Regular supervision meetings and appraisals enable staff to identify their own strengths and areas for improvement. Ongoing training opportunities improve practice and staff are confident in meeting children's needs.  Children have regular opportunities to extend their understanding of health and hygiene through discussions and routines, and they develop effective self-care skills. Children show some independence as they collect their meals from the club chef and choose additional food from a selection available to them.  Children behave well and staff are consistent in their approach to managing behaviour.

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This provision is good

Relationships between the children of different ages who attend the club are strong. Older children are very willing to support and guide younger children, which has a positive impact on their emotional well-being.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Opportunities to engage parents in what their children are doing at the club are not consistently promoted.  Although children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club, opportunities for them to make more independent choices from the wide range of resources they use are not always offered.

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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

 explore further ways for sharing ideas and information with parents about what activities their children participate in to further support their interests and build on these at home  support children in being able to make more independent choices when selecting resources, in order to further their play interests and enjoyment.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector held a meeting with the manager and provider. She looked at a range of relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club.  The inspector accompanied the manager when collecting children from their classroom.  The inspector observed the activities available indoors and saw the positive interactions between staff and children.  The inspector talked to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. She also spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.  The inspector held discussions with the provider and the manager about how they evaluate their setting to promote improvement. She also reviewed the setting's self- evaluation.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Robust recruitment and induction procedures are in place to ensure that staff working with children are suitable to do so. The manager regularly requests staff to confirm their suitability of working with children at supervision meetings. The provider has implemented an appropriate probation period, which includes ongoing support and guidance, for all new staff. This ensures that staff are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities in protecting the children in their care. All staff undertake required safeguarding and first-aid training. Staff are aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of concerns raised around children's welfare. They know the professionals to contact and have access to all contact details. The club has a range of written policies and procedures that staff are aware of. The manager ensures that any changes to these are quickly circulated amongst the staff so they are constantly

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

updated. The manager and her staff team have a strong and effective relationship with the host school headteacher and teaching staff. They regularly share information to support children's care and well-being. Parents speak highly of the staff team and make particular reference to the positive impact the new manager has had on the club.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff know children well. They complete regular observations of children to identify their changing likes and interests. Staff use these observations to monitor what children are taking part in and to plan activities and experiences that promote all areas of learning. Staff show genuine enjoyment of their roles. They join in with children's games and listen carefully to them. Children's enjoyment at the club complements the learning that takes place in school. They are motivated and engage in a range of age-appropriate opportunities and experiences. Staff provide children with a range of challenges to extend their play. For example, they ask probing questions, encouraging them to think further. Staff support and encourage children to solve problems and work as a team.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The settling-in procedure that supports children to feel secure is effective. Staff work with parents to identify children's individual needs and particular likes and interests before they start. This enables staff to have a good knowledge and understanding of each child and tailor their care accordingly. Children's personal, social and emotional development is promoted well. Staff regularly praise and encourage children. For example, children take part in a talent show. They dance, sing and show the rest of the club their talents. Staff congratulate children for their efforts. In addition to this, the children watching are very supportive, clapping their hands and showing their enjoyment of the show. Children have fun at the club and show a good awareness for the rules. For example, on arrival children immediately find their sack to place their belongings in for safe keeping. They wait patiently for their snack and wash their hands before they eat. Children have daily

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

opportunities for fresh air and exercise as they use the host school playground and grassed areas. Children learn about their personal safety. Staff ask children why they think they need to sit carefully at the table. Children respond quickly, explaining that they may fall and hurt themselves.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY486291 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1004665 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 64 Number of children on roll 173 Name of registered person Katie Thomasina Rowe

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 07535784783

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reference number

Play Aloud Samuel Lucas was registered in 2014. The club employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above, including the manager and the deputy, who both hold level 4. The club opens from Monday to Friday, from 7.30am until 8.55am and from 3.15pm until 6.30pm, term time only.

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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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