Rainbow House After School Club

Inspection of Rainbow House After School Club St Helens C Of E Primary School, Brewhouse Hill, St Albans AL4 8AN

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This provision meets requirements

Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the care of the after-school club staff. They arrive happily and follow the routines of the club, quickly engaging in their chosen activities. Children chat openly about their day at school. They discuss any concerns with the nurturing staff who listen intently and offer advice. This supports children's well-being. Children show high levels of confidence and engage well with visitors. They chat about their chosen activities and encourage visitors to join in their play.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are thoroughly engaged throughout their time at the club. Staff support this by encouraging children to take an active role in the planning of sessions. Children add notes with their chosen activities and resources onto their ideas board. Staff refer to this when setting up the club environment. Staff cater well to the varied ages and interests of the children who attend. For example, children can enjoy sport activities in the school hall and extensive outdoor area, or they can choose to engage in a variety of craft activities or decorate biscuits to take home.

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need to do better?

n Children form close bonds with each other. They are kind to one another and cooperate well in activities. For example, older children support their younger friends when making intricate Christmas decorations. Children also develop close relationships with staff and enjoy spending time with them. For example, children encourage staff to help them build indoor dens. They discuss what each area is used for, and children delight at the interesting structures staff help them construct. n Children's artwork is on display throughout the setting. This promotes children's self-esteem and creates a real sense of belonging in the after-school club. Staff engage well with children during activities. They praise children's efforts and achievements and encourage them to complete age-appropriate tasks. For example, children are making cake pops. Staff delegate tasks to children, who work diligently in their groups to complete them.

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need to do better?

n The provider has highly effective recruitment and induction procedures in place. This ensures that all staff are suitable to work with children. All new staff complete robust safeguarding and first-aid training to support children's safety. The provider completes regular appraisals with all staff to monitor their performance and well-being. Staff have access to a variety of online training opportunities to support their development. n Staff work hard to develop effective working relationships with the host school. They collect the younger children from their classrooms and hold discussions with class teachers. This ensures that staff are able to gather vital information

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need to do better?

9 December 2022 about children's time in school and offer additional support where necessary to support children's well-being. n Children are aware of the rules of the club. They acknowledge that these are in place to keep everyone safe. Staff support children's understanding of appropriate behaviour by mirroring the school's approach to behaviour management. This ensures consistency and supports children's positive behaviour. n Staff communicate well with families. Parents are invited into the after-school club when they pick children up. Staff discuss the activities children have enjoyed, and make parents aware of any issues which may have arisen during the session or at school. This supports children's well-being. Parents speak highly of staff and the quality of care they provide. They comment on how their children enjoy attending and are reluctant to leave. n Children are developing a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. Club staff

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need to do better?

encourage them to engage in physical activities, such as playing sports in the hall and exploring the outdoor play area. Children enjoy a warm snack during the session, which they help to prepare. Staff use this as an opportunity to discuss healthy eating. Children talk about the various vegetables which are in the soup and the healthy fillings they select to make their sandwiches.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The provider, manager and staff all demonstrate a good understanding of their roles in keeping children safe. They are aware of the signs and symptoms which could indicate that a child is at risk from harm, and the correct process to follow when reporting concerns. Staff conduct regular risk assessments, both indoors and in the extensive outdoor area. They supervise children well during activities and use walkie-talkies to communicate children's whereabouts to one another.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY488575 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10233980 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 35 Number of children on roll 31 Name of registered person Rainbow House Nursery Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07555296978 Date of previous inspection 15 March 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Rainbow House After School Club registered in 2015. The club employs four members of childcare staff and opens from Monday to Friday, during school term time. Sessions are from 3.20pm until 6pm.

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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 provision. n The inspector and provider took a tour of the club. They discussed how the club is organised and the play opportunities provided for children. n The inspector considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times 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

9 December 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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