The Totally Different Playscheme

The Totally Different Playscheme Meadow Wood School, Cold Harbour Lane, BUSHEY WD23 4NN

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Inspection date 1 August 2019 Previous inspection date 5 August 2014

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Not Applicable

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This provision is good

n The manager and her deputy are excellent role models for the many volunteers that work at the setting. This means that new volunteers quickly become competent in supporting children with a wide range of needs. n Parents speak very highly about the service that the setting provides. They comment on staff's level of expertise to support their children's individual needs. They particularly value the continuity of staff from term time to holiday time. n Staff provide children with a wide range of interesting and multisensory activities. For example, children are supported to collect natural materials from the garden to press into clay. n A positive atmosphere and a sense of fun fills the setting. Children, staff and volunteers enjoy the time they spend together. Volunteers say they cannot wait to come back each year. n Staff and volunteers care for children's emotional, physical and medical needs to the

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This provision is good

highest possible level. n Although the manager and her deputy discuss some ideas for improvement, self- evaluation is not highly effective. It does not include the views of parents and the volunteers that work at the setting. n At times, transition between activities takes too long. It is not always clear for children and new volunteers what is happening next.

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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

n strengthen methods of self-evaluation to include the views of parents and volunteers, to raise the quality of the provision to the highest possible level in all areas n further develop methods of communication about the routine of the day, so that children and volunteers know what is happening next.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector looked at the premises and resources available to children. She observed activities taking place and the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector observed an induction meeting carried out by the manager for new volunteers. n The inspector spoke with staff and volunteers during the inspection. n The inspector held discussions with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of staff working at the playscheme. n The inspector spoke to a number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The manager, deputy and team of volunteers work very well together. Their commitment to providing a high-quality playscheme for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is inspiring. The manager has developed a team of experienced volunteers. Many are members of staff who work or have worked at the school during term time. This means that they bring a high level of expertise and knowledge to the setting. New volunteers are provided with useful information before they start and have an induction on their first day. All volunteers say that they feel well supported by the manager and deputy when they have any questions or concerns. The experience that they have at the setting inspires them to consider a career working with children with SEND. Safeguarding is effective. Staff and volunteers know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about a child at the setting.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff have an in-depth knowledge of the children at the setting and plan open-ended activities that enable all children to participate at their own level. The routine of the day is varied to allow time for relaxation and activity. For example, children are involved in interactive music sessions. They sit under a large umbrella as they listen to songs about the rain. They show interest and excitement as the umbrella is sprayed with water. This helps to make the experience more meaningful, for instance as children can hear and feel the spray of the water. After lunch, children have time to relax as they listen to stories or watch action rhymes on the interactive whiteboard. Children receive a high level of support and attention throughout the day. Each child has an adult close by who models play and supports engagement in the different activities. Children are also given the time they need to pursue their own interests. For example, staff value and support a

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

child's fascination in holding a branch of leaves in front of a fan to watch it blow in the breeze.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

The playscheme provides a highly positive environment for children with specific physical and neurological needs. Staff have a genuine love of the children in their care and for the work that they do. The manager ensures that children, families, volunteers and visitors are very warmly welcomed and made to feel valued. Staff continually monitor each child's well-being and provide highly sensitive, individualised care. Staff are vigilant in monitoring and managing risks to keep children safe. Throughout the day, children are provided with many opportunities to come together as a group. During these times, every child is given individual time and attention that promotes their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Children's happiness is at the centre of everything that happens at the setting. This means that all children are settled and content and have a highly rewarding experience.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY364508 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10069423 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care Age range of children 4 - 12 Total number of places 14 Number of children on roll 16 Name of registered person Totally Different Playscheme

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 5 August 2014 Telephone number 0208 420 720

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reference number

The Totally Different Playscheme registered in 1997. It re-registered in 2007 to become a limited company. It is committee-led and operates from Meadow Wood School in Bushey, Hertfordshire. The playscheme has been specially designed to accommodate children with SEND. The It is open for four days during the Easter holidays and for three weeks during the summer holidays, from 10.30am until 3.30pm. The playscheme employs one member of staff who has a relevant qualification. There are 13 volunteers, many of whom are experienced in caring for children with specific SEND.

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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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procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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