Safe Hands Professional After School Childcare

Inspection of Safe Hands Professional After School Childcare HARRIETSHAM CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL, West Street, Maidstone ME17 1JZ

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This provision meets requirements

Children flourish in this caring and nurturing environment. They smile and chat to staff from the moment they arrive. They quickly settle and choose what they would like to do. While some enjoy running, riding and playing ball in the large outdoor space, others settle inside with craft activities. Children actively share their ideas and interests with staff. Together, they plan stimulating activities that provide challenge and develop curiosity. For example, children noticed the spiders' webs on the way to school. This inspired a minibeasts theme to increase children's knowledge of other insects.

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This provision meets requirements

Children have space to relax with their friends. During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, children had to remain in small 'bubbles' during activities. However, they are now excited to rekindle friendships and play in larger groups. Sometimes, they find this difficult, as they relearn how to negotiate and accommodate one another's ideas. Staff skilfully step in and support children to take turns and listen to one another. Consequently, children enjoy games of football, share materials at the art table and help one another at snack time.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff know the children and their families well. There is much laughter as children tell staff about their day at school. Children appear confident, happy and secure in the strong attachments they have made with staff and one another.

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need to do better?

n The nurturing and dedicated manager consistently aims to provide the highest standards of care. She works hard to create a welcoming and inclusive club for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She maintains a sharp focus on developing children's self-esteem, well-being and resilience. She reflects on her practice by actively seeking the views of staff and parents to continually improve and develop the provision. She works well with other professionals, including with the children's teachers. n Children become fascinated and absorbed in their play. They demonstrate high levels of curiosity as they explore and experiment. For example, they enjoy making water prints as they ride, walk and drive cars through puddles. They develop their imaginations as they create their own stories, such as with the sticky 'webs' they find hidden among branches and pine cones. Staff extend

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need to do better?

children's ideas and thoughts by asking questions and skilfully joining in with their play. n Staff encourage children to follow good hygiene practices and to make healthy lifestyle choices. For example, while children prepare their own snacks, staff talk about how the nutritious food provides them with energy. Children enjoy lots of

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need to do better?

27 September 2021 fresh air and exercise as they play outside in the woods, on the playground and at the park. n Children demonstrate high levels of positive behaviour. They are kind, polite and respectful. Staff encourage children to talk about their lives and experiences, as they learn how similar and different they all are. Children love to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and festivals, with one another. n Parents say how delighted they are with the care their children receive. They comment on the excellent support and communication they have with staff, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are effusive in their praise for the staff and the commitment they show to their children and families. n Staff feel very supported by the manager and comment on how their well-being is important to her. They take part in supervision meetings, where they plan additional support or training to develop their practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager ensures all staff regularly update their knowledge of child protection. There are policies and procedures in place for safeguarding, including a robust recruitment procedure to ensure children are safe. Staff know how to identify potential signs of abuse and the procedures to report concerns about a child's welfare. They are aware of wider safeguarding issues, such as protecting children from extreme views, county lines and online grooming. They provide parents with information about online safety to help them protect their children at home. The manager shares accurate and timely reports with other professionals, such as teachers, to ensure children's safety.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY476523 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10075871 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

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inspection

Total number of places 21 Number of children on roll 46 Name of registered person Lawlee, Melanie Jane

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reference number

Telephone number 01622859261 Date of previous inspection 13 June 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Safe Hands Professional After School Childcare registered in 2014. It operates from Harrietsham Church Of England Primary School in Harrietsham, Kent. The setting opens before and after school, five days a week, from 7.30am to 8.45am and from 3.15pm to 6.30pm, during term time only. There are five members of staff, one of whom holds a level 3 qualification in childcare.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n Children spoke with the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the club. n The inspector observed the interactions between children and staff, inside and outdoors. n Staff spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The manager showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

27 September 2021 regulates and inspects to 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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