Play Aloud St Andrews

Play Aloud @ St Andrews ST ANDREWS C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, SG4 9RD

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 1 June 2017 24 February 2014

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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 new manager has worked with determination and effort to make improvements to the club and address the recommendations set at the last inspection. The manager has the support of a strong staff team who works effectively together. Staff morale is high.  Staff provide an exciting and well-resourced environment for children to explore. There are many opportunities for children to be creative and imaginative.  Children have good fun at the club. They enjoy choosing activities and games to play and make good use of the different zones, including areas to relax, read and unwind.  Children behave well. They fully understand the rules and routines and show kindness and respect to others. Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. Children of all ages get on well together and play harmoniously.  Children have access to an interesting and attractive outdoor area. Opportunities for children to be physically active are good. Staff promote healthy lifestyles well.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not make the most of all opportunities to seek children's views on the effectiveness of the club to further influence planning or evaluation of the activities provided.

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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

 extend opportunities for children to share their views on the club and to be part of the planning and evaluation of activities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector held meetings with the manager and area manager to discuss the effectiveness of leadership and management. He also met with other members of staff, including the deputy managers and play leaders.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents, including information relating to safeguarding and staff suitability.  The inspector observed children playing and their interactions with adults.  The inspector looked at the different areas used by children, including the outdoor provision.  The inspector met with parents throughout the inspection and looked at the responses to a recent parent satisfaction survey.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities in relation to child protection. Staff have a good understanding of how to report any concerns they may have about a child's welfare. They attend training to keep up to date with the latest legislation, for example, to understand the risks associated with extremism and radicalisation. Managers ensure that staff recruitment procedures are robust and that the checks on staff suitability meet requirements. The manager has a good understanding of the strengths of the setting and has effective plans in place to make further improvements. Staff are well supported in their work and have many opportunities to reflect on their practice and share their ideas. Overall, some recent improvements to the way in which activities are planned, are having a positive impact on the children's enjoyment.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

All adults do whatever it takes for children to get the most out of coming to the club. Toys and resources are of good quality, age-appropriate and within easy reach for children to help themselves. Staff are very kind to the children and join in with their games, such as blowing bubbles and making, 'bug magnets'. Staff meet children's developmental and welfare needs effectively. Staff are observant and follow children's interests well. Staff engage children in purposeful conversations and their interactions with children are positive. Partnerships with the other settings children attend are strong. For example, managers meet regularly with school staff to discuss children's well-being and interests. Staff promote reading and writing very well. Children's work on display celebrates their achievements in a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children smile as they arrive in the morning and do not want to leave when their parents come to collect them at the end of the day. Children take part in a wide range of fun and exciting activities that enables them to learn and play with others, and to meet new friends. Staff know all children very well. Children have developed strong and close bonds with staff. As a result of the high levels of care and attention staff provide, children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well included in all activities. Children show determination and resilience as they work together to build dens outside in the garden. Older children are good role models. They patiently help younger children as they create sophisticated models using construction toys. Staff provide activities that help children to learn about the world around them, such as finding out about other faiths and cultures. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the club. The new manager's

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

approach to engaging parents in the work of the club is having a very positive impact.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY468316 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 1088215 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 2 - 8 Total number of places 36 Number of children on roll 45 Name of registered person Play Aloud Ltd

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 24 February 2014 Telephone number 07535784783

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reference number

Play Aloud at St Andrews registered in 2013. It operates from a building in the grounds of St Andrews CE Primary School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. It serves the host school. The setting employs 10 members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above, and five members of staff hold qualifications at level 2. The owner has achieved early years professional status. The provision opens on Monday to Friday, during term times. Sessions are from 7.30am to 8.45am, and from 3.10pm to 6.30pm. The provision operates during school holidays from 7.30am to 6.30pm. The setting also provides wrap-around care for children who attend the school's nursery during the day.

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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

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