Little Hands Adventure Club (formerly Adventure Club)

Inspection of Little Hands Adventure Club (formerly Adventure Club) Sun Postal Sports & Social Club, Bellmount Wood Avenue, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 3BN

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This provision does not meet requirements

Weaknesses in the monitoring of staff deployment compromise children's safety. The provider and manager fail to ensure children are always supervised by first-aid qualified staff. Staff collect children from various local schools and transport them to the club. On occasion, children are collected by staff who do not hold an appropriate first-aid qualification.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Once at the club, children enjoy a wide range of engaging activities. Staff skilfully construct an environment that meets the needs and interests of all children who attend. For example, a group of children are excited to explore the vast array of craft activities. Others rush to play football and badminton in the large outdoor area.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children from different schools form close bonds with one another. They are kind and considerate and recognise when their friends may need support. For example, when children appear quieter than usual, they engage them in conversation and invite them into their play. Snack time is a very sociable event. Children sit together around tables chatting excitedly about events at their various schools. Staff sit with children and join in their conversations with genuine interest.

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need to do better?

n Essential staff training is not managed effectively. Although monitored, vital training is not updated swiftly enough to meet the needs of the club. As a result, children are in the sole care of staff with no paediatric first-aid qualification. Furthermore, the manager fails to recognise this weakness in staff deployment and seek support from the provider. n Children behave well in the club. They are aware of the rules and support one another in following them. For example, children remind one another to wash hands when they arrive and before meals. n Staff have effective procedures in place to support children settle swiftly at the club. They communicate well with families to establish children's interests. Staff complete progress reports for children who are new to the club and share these with parents. n Children demonstrate good manners in the club. They are polite to staff and their friends, offering help in tasks, such as clearing away after snack time. Staff

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need to do better?

are good role models. They are always well mannered and respectful towards adults and children. n Children are learning about healthy lifestyles. They enjoy a nutritious, warm snack and help themselves to fruit throughout the session. Children are encouraged to be physically active. They enjoy a large outdoor play area where

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need to do better?

18 May 2022 staff join in their football matches. Children also have lots of indoor space to explore. For example, children play ball games and demonstrate their gymnastic talents. n Staff work hard to establish good relationships with the schools they drop off to and collect children from. They share information about significant events during the day. This enables staff to provide additional support where necessary. n Children demonstrate high levels of confidence in the club. They engage well with visitors and chat enthusiastically about the activities they enjoy. Children are proud to show off their craft creations and sporting skills. Staff encourage this by consistently praising children's efforts in all activities. n Parents speak highly of staff at the club. They value the nurturing relationships they establish with children. Parents comment on how their children are always eager to attend and the wide range of activities they enjoy.

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need to do better?

n The provider has robust recruitment processes in place. This ensures that all staff are suitable to work with children. Effective induction procedures support staff in gathering essential safeguarding and health and safety knowledge prior to starting.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

The provider fails to ensure all children are supervised by a member of staff who holds a paediatric first-aid qualification. This compromises children's safety. Despite this, staff have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk of harm. They are aware of the process to follow when reporting concerns. The provider has robust recruitment procedures in place. This ensures all staff are suitable to work with children. Staff carry out daily risk assessments of the club and supervise children well in all areas. However, children's welfare is not supported where they are in need of emergency first aid.

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Due date

ensure children are supervised by a member of staff who has a valid paediatric first-aid qualification both on the premises and when out of the setting. 07/06/2022

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY562469 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10194216 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 17 Number of children on roll 20 Name of registered person Little Hands Adventure Club Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07525001964 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Hands Adventure Club registered in 2018. The club employs three members of childcare staff all of who hold appropriate qualifications at level 3. The club offers a breakfast session from 7.30am until 9am, and an after-school session from 3.30pm until 6.30pm, Monday to Friday during term time. The club also offers sessions from 7.30am until 6.30pm, Monday to Friday during the school holidays.

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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 the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector took a tour of the club with the manager. They discussed how the club is organised and the play opportunities for children. n The inspector considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during activities.

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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

18 May 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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