The Cookie Club

Inspection of The Cookie Club Wilshere Dacre Junior School, Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive happy and settle quickly into activities at the club. Any child identified as needing a little support is quickly offered one-to-one time with staff to help them overcome any worries. Staff calmly speak to children and establish what is wrong, for example if a child has had a hard day at school or is feeling particularly tired. Staff offer children the opportunity to choose a new or favourite activity to help improve their mood. Many children are self-sufficient and staff recognise this and interact appropriately with them. Children seek guidance from staff when they need help. They are confident to ask them for what they need. Staff dip into conversations and activities with children and this is welcomed by the children.

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This provision meets requirements

Children show that they like being at the club. The marble-run building inspires children's creativity. A child exclaims 'This is awesome, I am so excited' as he selects pieces to make a complex run. Children demonstrate perseverance as they try to build runs that will allow the marbles to run all the way around. Staff support younger children appropriately when they need assistance with their building.

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need to do better?

n Staff focus on supporting children to continue to build on their social skills as they have fun after school. They encourage children to try mindfulness to help them feel calm, in control and aware of their surroundings. They are clear that they are not providing education but are helping children to develop their skills through enjoyable experiences with friends. n Children's creativity is encouraged. They are enthralled by the dinosaurs frozen into ice. They attempt to chip away the ice to release the dinosaurs. Children enjoy the still life painting. They closely observe the details of the daffodils and the vase. Children try hard to recreate the flowers on the paper. Some children use the paints to paint images of their family. Staff support this and show appreciation of what children produce. Children concentrate when they make the beaded keyrings. They use beads with letters embossed on each face. Staff ask

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need to do better?

children about the words they want to use. They support children to think of imaginative and kind words and help them with spelling. n Leaders report positive relationships with the schools and other professionals to support children and families. They share important information about children to ensure they understand children's needs and any concerns that need to be monitored. n Parents state that they are happy with the club. They say that staff are friendly and supportive and that they understand the children and make every effort to work with them to help children enjoy their time and to behave well.

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need to do better?

2 March 2022 Partnerships with parents are successful and they feel confident talking to staff. n Children follow appropriate hygiene routines to help ensure their health and that of others. Before eating they wash their hands. Children eat healthy, balanced snacks and a light tea each afternoon. They benefit from time outdoors in the fresh air where they can move freely and play organised games. Staff arrange gardening activities and children have been successful in growing plants in window boxes. n Children behave well at the club. Staff share the rules with children and support them to follow these consistently. They quickly alert children to any behaviour that is not appropriate and sensitively deal with issues. Children are kind to one another. They willingly share resources and take turns. They often make friendship bracelets and keyrings to give to others. There is a lot of effective cooperation between children and staff. Children are encouraged to suggest and

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need to do better?

plan experiences. n Children demonstrate a positive attitude and show perseverance when faced with challenges. Older children support younger children to succeed. Staff explain that as a consequence of having to keep children in 'bubbles' during national restrictions, new friendships were developed. n The leader, managers and staff report positive experiences of working as a team. Staff say they are supported by leaders and feel that they can talk to them about their work. There is scope to enhance the induction process for new staff to help them feel even more confident in their role.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders and senior staff have secure safeguarding knowledge. Other staff understand the role of the designated person and state they would refer concerns about children's safety and well-being to those with designated safeguarding responsibility. All staff receive training to help them identify concerns. There are appropriate procedures and policies in place to help ensure children are protected from harm.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY472328 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10126185 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 36 Number of children on roll 45 Name of registered person The Cookie Club Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07805024889 Date of previous inspection 10 November 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The Cookie Club was registered in 2013. It is one of three out-of-school clubs run by the provider. The club employs eight members of staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The manager has a childcare qualification at level 5. The setting is open Monday to Friday in term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am to 8.45am and from 3pm to 6.15pm.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with leaders and has taken this into account in the evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed interaction between staff and children indoors and outside. n The manager and the inspector discussed planned activities and the impact these had on children's enjoyment. n The inspector spoke to parents who use the setting and considered their views. n The inspector spoke with children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector reviewed evidence of qualifications and suitability of staff working at the setting.

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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

2 March 2022 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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