Little Blue Van SH

Inspection of Little Blue Van SH Sacred Heart Rc School, Broadmeads, Ware SG12 9HY

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This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy their time at the after-school club and demonstrate that they are happy and settled. They are greeted warmly by staff as they arrive. Children are familiar with routines as they put their belongings on allocated coat pegs and wash their hands before sitting down for snack. Children develop good relationships with the staff as they chat to them about their day at school and share the activities they did during the previous evening. They form good attachments with their peers as they eagerly sit together in their friendship groups around the table.

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This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy accessing a wide range of activities provided. Children become engrossed as they enjoy creative art activities, such as making rockets and bowls out of air-drying clay. They discuss the colours they are using and to whom they are going to give their finished products. Children proudly show their completed items to staff, who provide praise. Children receive 'star of the day' awards for good behaviour and being kind to their friends. This helps to nurture children's self- esteem.

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need to do better?

n The after-school club and host school work well together. Teachers communicate closely with staff about children's welfare and their school day. This ensures that staff can effectively meet the needs of the children. Leaders of the club work closely with the school office to ensure that attendance registers are up to date. n Staff are kind and caring towards the children. They take time to support children with their craft activities. Staff readily provide reassurance and support to help children who struggle to prepare for home time. There is a well- established key person system in place for younger children to ensure that their ongoing development can continue in the after-school club. n Staff understand the importance of promoting children's physical health. They are mindful that children need space and opportunity to unwind after a day at school. They provide opportunities for them to be physically active in the

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need to do better?

outdoor play area. Children enjoy playing dodge ball, running and climbing on the equipment. During the summer months, they enjoy sports days on the field and 'scavenger hunts'. n Children share their ideas and suggestions on activities they would like to do. Staff respond appropriately and provide children with a range of activities that suit their interest. For example, children request for pens and paper to draw pictures. However, a recent change in the organisation of activities sometimes leaves children waiting for resources and activities to be set up. This leads to the children becoming restless. Leaders have highlighted this and are currently re-

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need to do better?

1 November 2022 evaluating how this could be improved in order to provide children with access to resources and activities consistently throughout the session. n Parents speak highly of the after-school club. They report their children enjoy accessing the wide range of activities on offer. They receive clear communication about their children at pick-up times. Parents appreciate the adjustments that staff make to suit the needs of their children, in particular children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n Staff report feeling valued and well supported by the managers. Leaders monitor the quality of care closely. They use regular supervision sessions and team meetings to give staff helpful feedback on their performance. Staff are offered focused training opportunities to develop their skills, such as training in autism. This helps staff to further support children and meet their needs effectively.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders and managers have clear expectations of staff. They provide regular training for staff to ensure that they are fully aware of how to keep children safe. Managers ensure that clear reporting procedures are in place. These provide detailed information for staff to access if required. Robust recruitment processes are in place to manage safe recruitment. Staff carry out regular risk assessments in the setting to ensure that the environment is kept safe. Managers ensure that staff are appropriately deployed so that children can be supervised at all times.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2598197 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10251485 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 40 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person Little Blue Van (GA) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07790444704 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Blue Van SH registered in 2020. It is an after-school provision based in Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, in Ware, Hertfordshire. It operates during term time only, Monday to Friday, from 3.15pm until 6pm. There are four members of staff, one of whom holds a relevant qualification at level 2.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the club. n The inspector undertook a learning walk around the club with the manager. She held regular discussions with the manager and the staff. n The inspector spoke to children and parents during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This included evidence of staff suitability, staff files and registers.

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Inspection activities

1 November 2022 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

1 November 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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