Energy Kidz at Ascot Road

Inspection of Energy Kidz at Ascot Road Ascot Road Community Free School, Ascot Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 8AD

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children's welfare is compromised because checks to verify the full suitability of all staff are not in place.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children receive a warm welcome as they arrive at the club. Key persons help younger children to settle in. They share their own knowledge about children's interests with them. This encourages children to talk about their favourite characters from a card game. Children are creative. They enjoy the freedom to draw what they would like, using different types of pens and pencils. Children use good manners and show respect for their friends' achievements. They are careful not to wobble the table so they do not disturb the tower of blocks they have built.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children benefit from opportunities to be physically active, indoors and outdoors. They demonstrate good control and coordination as they take part in ball games. Children learn to assess their own risks by balancing and hanging on the climbing equipment. They follow good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands prior to meals. Children remember to ask a member of staff when they would like to go to the toilet, to support their safety and security. They say that they like to attend the club so they can socialise with their friends and make new friendships. Children feel confident to talk to staff should they ever feel worried.

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need to do better?

n The arrangements for the recruitment of staff are not robust. For example, the provider has not obtained references for all staff to verify their overall suitability. In addition, all staff do not receive induction training to ensure they fully understand how to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. This does not ensure the safety and welfare of children. Despite this, the provider has obtained a Disclosure and Barring Service check for all staff. n There is not an embedded system in place to support staff to continue to develop their skills and knowledge. The provider ensures there are opportunities for staff to access training. Some staff are very keen learners and source training independently to specifically support the individual needs of children. However, since the registration of the club, supervision meetings are infrequent, and some do not identify the individual training needs of staff.

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need to do better?

n The club provides a different environment in contrast to children's day at school. Staff ensure that children can socialise and relax with their friends. For example, the cosy area enables children to have some quiet time and explore the sensory bottles made by staff. Children have opportunities to engage in activities that generally reflect their interests. However, the range of activities for children to choose from is limited and not consistently inviting.

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need to do better?

16 June 2022 n Children's physical health is well supported. Staff encourage children to keep hydrated, especially on warm days. Children make independent choices of what they would like in their sandwich. They help themselves to a selection of healthy fruit and vegetables to complement their meal. Children are inquisitive. They confidently ask visitors how much water is contained in the food that they eat, and engage in meaningful discussions with them. Children are polite and know to clear away their plate when they have finished. n Children behave well. At whole-group time they know to put up their hand and wait for their turn to speak. They take turns to share the club rules with the group. This is particularly helpful for children who are new to the club. This demonstrates that children have an understanding of the club's expectations. n Staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities

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need to do better?

effectively to enjoy their time at the club. They work in close partnerships with parents to meet children's individual needs. The club staff are just beginning to work with staff at the host school to have a better understanding of specific strategies that are used by children's teachers, to provide a consistent approach. n Parents and children speak positively about their experiences at the club. They comment that staff make them feel welcome and how their children love to attend.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff whose full suitability has not been checked are left unsupervised with children on occasion, which compromises children's safety. However, the provider makes sure that staff access relevant training to keep their knowledge of safeguarding up to date. Staff know the signs that may cause them to be concerned about a child. They know their responsibility to report any concerns immediately to the safeguarding lead or relevant service. There are robust procedures in place for children to be collected only by authorised individuals.

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Due date

implement robust recruitment procedures to verify the suitability of all staff 30/06/2022

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Due date

ensure all staff receive induction training to help them to understand their roles and responsibilities 30/06/2022

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Due date

16 June 2022 implement an effective system for the supervision of staff to ensure they receive appropriate support, coaching and professional development opportunities. 30/06/2022

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2566747 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10239368 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 20 Number of children on roll 150 Name of registered person Sherpa Kids England Ltd

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Telephone number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Energy Kidz at Ascot Road registered in 2000. The club employs three members of staff, all of whom hold an appropriate qualification at level 2. The club opens from 7.30am until 9am, and from 3.15pm until 6pm, Monday to Friday, during school term time. Holiday camp runs most school holiday periods from 8.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

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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 her evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed activities and the interaction between staff and children. She spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector held a meeting with the compliance coordinator and trainee compliance coordinator to talk about how the club is run and to check that all legal requirements are met. n The activity leader and the inspector completed a tour of the areas used by the club together. They discussed the current arrangements for assessing risks, security, child supervision and how activities are planned to take account of children's interests and abilities. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of

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Inspection activities

staff working in the setting. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day and their written feedback.

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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

16 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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