The Strings Club - Brockley Holiday Camp

Inspection of The Strings Club - Brockley Holiday Camp Prendergast School, Adelaide Avenue, London SE4 1LE

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Not met (with actions)

Previous inspection Not Met (with actions)

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children's safety is compromised. On the day of inspection, the manager was unaware that children are able to leave the building easily. The manager does identify other open doors as a hazard, but does not act promptly to manage children's safety. This does not promote children's welfare. In addition, the provider does not ensure that information about children is kept securely.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Despite this, children show that they enjoy their time at the club. They receive a warm welcome as they arrive, and quickly make new friends. Children demonstrate that they build positive relationships with staff from the start. They receive effective support from staff to understand club routines and hygiene protocols. Children enjoy creative activities. They build on their existing skills. For example, they write their names on artwork. Children interact well as they play with older peers and in larger groups. They enjoy discussions about Diwali and use rangoli patterns during creative activities.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children follow instructions well. For example, they work collaboratively with others during parachute games. They learn about different parts of the ukulele during well-led music sessions, and begin to understand musical vocabulary. They look forward to free-play sessions, which occasionally end at short notice. Despite this, children behave well and tidy away when asked. They understand how to retrieve unfinished artwork from their individual folders.

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need to do better?

n The manager does not implement the club's risk assessment procedures effectively. She does not manage identified risks, such as doors remaining open, while another club is operating on the same premises. Staff are eventually instructed by the manager to close the open doors, to help ensure children's safety. The manager relies on instructions from the provider, who is not on site, before taking action. n The provider does not take steps to ensure that improvements made since the last inspection are sustained. She does not check that records for children and staff are kept securely and cannot be accessed by others. This indicates that self-evaluation of the club is weak. n Despite weaknesses in leadership and management, staff interact with children well. They speak with children about what they do, and are vigilant as children play. Staff follow centrally-devised plans, and engage children well during group

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need to do better?

activities. However, staff do not support children to make use of all resources available, some of which go unnoticed by children. n Children enjoy their time outdoors. Staff encourage children to use their bodies

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need to do better?

25 October 2021 well, for example, during pat-ball games. Children show an awareness of the natural environment, and are excited to find ladybirds. They discuss with their friends whether these insects are poisonous. n Staff demonstrate effective teaching during music sessions. They encourage children to handle instruments correctly and introduce new vocabulary. For example, children point to different parts of the instrument as staff sing with them. Children learn to locate the head, body, frets and tuning pegs of a ukulele. n Staff help children to maintain good health. For example, they speak with children about the benefits of eating fruit during snack times. Children have regular opportunities to play outdoors in the fresh air, and staff encourage children to build good hygiene habits. For example, they implement frequent hand-washing routines. n Staff use effective strategies to help children to feel welcome at the club. For

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need to do better?

example, name labels are prepared for children to wear until they get to know each other. Important information is gathered from parents so that their child's individual needs are met. Children show that they feel confident and emotionally secure at the club.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

The provider does not monitor the club well enough to ensure that the premises are secure. She does not check that the manager and staff know how to maintain children's safety when other groups use the premises. Despite this, the manager and staff are aware of other potential risks to children, including any inappropriate behaviours of a colleague or exposure to extreme views. They know how to identify if a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. The manager and staff are aware of local child protection procedures and relevant safeguarding agencies. The club has appropriate arrangements in place for dealing with accidents and administering medication. Accurate attendance records for children and staff are maintained.

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Due date

ensure risk assessments are effective and action is taken when potential hazards are identified, with particular regard to premises security 06/12/2021

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Due date

25 October 2021 make sure that confidential information about children and staff is kept securely, and is accessible only to those with a professional need to see it. 06/12/2021

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY544874 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10193117 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

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inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 17 Name of registered person The Strings Club Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07563039700 Date of previous inspection 17 February 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The Strings Club, Brockley Holiday Camp registered in 2017. The club is based in Prendergast School, in the London Borough of Lewisham. The club operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, during school holidays only. There are four members of staff, one of whom is a qualified teacher.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the club received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the club. n The manager showed the inspector around areas of the school premises used by children, and explained how children's participation and development are supported and encouraged. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions between staff and children, and assessed the impact of these on children's engagement with activities. n The inspector looked at documents. These included evidence of staff suitability to work with children, relevant policies and evidence of staff professional development. n The manager met with the inspector and discussed leadership of the club, including arrangements for the storage of information and records, risk assessments and safeguarding. n The inspector spoke with children, parents and staff as part of the inspection.

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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

25 October 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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Inspection activities

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