Missing Link

Inspection of Missing Link St. Marys Catholic Primary School, Cookham Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7EG

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This provision does not meet requirements

The arrangements relating to food preparation and storage are not suitable. This does not adequately protect children from the risk of food poisoning. In all other respects, safety arrangements are effective.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children enjoy their time at the after-school club and have fun with their friends. They arrive happy as they are collected from their classrooms. They are keen to talk to the staff about their day and find out what they can do next. Children enjoy games of football on the spacious field. They negotiate with each other to pick teams. Children are fair and inclusive of anyone that ones to get involved. Older children cheer and praise the younger children when they attempt to score a goal. Children have good manners and are kind and considerate towards each other. They benefit from vigorous exercise and plenty of time outside in the fresh air. Children have a choice of activities and options to rest and relax. They enjoy sitting and talking to their friends and the staff members. Children discuss their experiences and share their ideas and thoughts.

p.2

need to do better?

n Some staff who prepare food have not received food hygiene training. Those who have do not consistently follow all safety procedures correctly. At the time of the inspection, the fridge was not set to the right temperature and the milk offered to children was a day past the use-by date. The children were confident to bring this to the attention of staff. Although staff initially reassured the children that it smelt suitable to drink, the milk was removed when children explained it tasted bad. There was no impact on this occasion, but the lack of attention to food safety precautions places children at risk. n Children of mixed ages enjoy playing group games together. Staff join in with enthusiasm. For example, children play 'charades' and teach other how to play a new game called 'donkey'. They laugh and giggle with their friends at the funny impressions they make. Children explain the rules of the game and are

p.2

need to do better?

respectful towards one another as they listen to each other's ideas. They are confident to make suggestions and share their views. n Children have access to a variety of resources and activities, including arts and crafts, building with construction bricks and dressing up in costumes. They spend lots of time outside and enjoy parachute games, football and balancing on the challenging play equipment. n Staff ensure that children understand the importance of good personal hygiene. Children wash their hands before eating and after playing outside. Children have space to store their belongings and can access these independently throughout the afternoon. Staff make sure children have opportunities for drinking water

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need to do better?

15 June 2022 and resting between activities. n Staff encourage children to develop a sense of belonging in the club. Children decorate their classroom with self-portraits and their artwork. Staff encourage children to create gifts and cards for parents to mark special occasions, including Father's Day. They teach children about different cultural events, such as celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with a special party. n The manager supports staff in their well-being and ensures they have opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas. The staff team works closely together, They express that they enjoy their work and feel valued. Their positive attitudes contribute to creating an atmosphere that is fun for children. n Staff form positive relationships with parents. They ensure parents receive information about the activities they provide. Staff feedback information to ensure parents are up to date with their child's day. Parents comment that their

p.2

need to do better?

children are happy and enjoy their time at the club.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Overall, children's safety is not assured due to the ineffective food hygiene arrangements. However, staff do understand their role and responsibilities to keep children safe from abuse. They know the signs that may indicate a child is at risk from harm. Staff are aware of the procedures they must follow to report any concerns about a child or adults working with children. Staff supervise children closely and risk assess the play areas to minimise hazards.

p.3

Due date

ensure all staff that prepare and serve food have the relevant food hygiene training to do so 16/06/2022

p.3

Due date

ensure all food is stored at a safe temperature and use-by dates are checked to prevent risk of food poisoning. 16/06/2022

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2564133 Local authority Windsor and Maidenhead Inspection number 10233494 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 32 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person Fox, Jeffrey Alan

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07860781455 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Missing Link registered in 2019. The club offers before- and after-school care for children attending St. Mary's Catholic Primary School. The club operates from a classroom at the school. The club is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 8.50am and from 3.20pm until 6pm during term-time only. There are four members of staff employed at the club. Two of these hold relevant qualifications at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first inspection the club received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the staff and has taken this into account in their evaluation of the provision. n The inspector observed the interactions between the staff and the children. She spoke to members of staff, children and some parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager to discuss the management of the club. n The manager showed the inspector relevant documentation.

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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

15 June 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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