The Hangout

Inspection of The Hangout Passmores Academy, Tracyes Road, Harlow CM18 6JH

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This provision meets requirements

Children have fun at the club. They arrive happy, excited and eager to find out what activities are planned for the day. They make choices from a good variety of resources on offer. These include different types of construction toys, small-world play resources, computer games, craft, messy play activities and drawing materials. Staff support children at their chosen activities and supervise them closely. This helps to develop positive relationships between children and staff, and helps children to feel safe. Children are confident to approach adults to ask for help or share their ideas.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff involve the children fully in making choices and taking ownership of their behaviour. For example, children have positive discussions about their club rules. Staff ensure all children are included and give them time to think before responding. Children follow rules, listen to instructions, and take turns. Staff engage children in discussions and children talk confidently to each other. For example, younger children listen to older ones explaining their predictions when taking part in a science experiment.

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This provision meets requirements

Parents confirm how much their children love attending the club. They particularly mention how approachable and attentive the staff are, which gives them confidence in leaving their children.

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need to do better?

n Staff support children to enjoy their time at the club and to have fun. Staff plan a wide range of activities to help children explore, experiment, solve problems and work independently and as a team. For example, they invited a wild bird professional to the club to show them and talk about birds. Staff built on children's learning by offering activities to extend their new knowledge. Children excitedly spoke about the 'Owl show' they performed to their friends. n The management team provide effective support for staff to promote their well- being. Staff complete relevant training for their roles. All staff say they are able to approach the managers for support and benefit from team meetings. However, there is no clear and consistent system in place to monitor staff practice and ensure that their skills continue to develop over time. n Staff ensure the environment is safe and secure. They provide good levels of

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need to do better?

supervision to keep children safe. Daily safety checks of the premises and equipment ensure that they are safe and fit for purpose. n Children have strong relationships with the staff and each other. Staff clearly enjoy being with the children and children respond well. Staff introduce children who are new to the club, finding out more about their likes and families. They

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need to do better?

14 February 2023 prepare other children before new children arrive, so they can help to settle them in. Older children become a 'buddy' to newly arrived children. The managers are the key persons for early years children, this has recently been introduced. Parents said they are pleased that there is a key-person system in place. n Staff consistently apply fair boundaries, so that children understand how to behave at the club. They use explanations and gentle reminders to help children manage their emotions and consider others. Children are kind to each other and celebrate personal achievements. n Children have opportunities to be outdoors and active. They have additional physical resources for large and smaller group games, such as bats, balls and hoops. Staff help children to recognise the effect exercise has on their bodies and join in with their games. Children bring their own food and drinks, and staff

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need to do better?

provide additional drinking water. Staff are knowledgeable about individual children's needs and ensure that safe practices are in place to support children with allergies. n Parents receive suitable information about the club. They receive information prior to their children attending, which includes information about healthy packed lunches and other policies and procedures. Information relating to the holiday activities are shared by social media. Daily handovers help exchange information about children's needs between staff and parents. Questionnaires are sent out to gather parents' and children's feedback about activities. For example, workshops are now offered, on a variety of topics, to give children enhanced learning experiences.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers and staff have a suitable awareness of their responsibilities to safeguard children. Staff know where to find information and how to report concerns. They know the importance of reporting concerns to appropriate professionals, to protect children from harm. They understand the indicators that would raise their concerns about children's welfare and the behaviour of adults. This includes concerns that link to wider safeguarding issues. On a day-to-day basis, staff take steps to help keep children safe. For example, risk assessments are completed which cover the different areas of the premises and activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2617370 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10265350 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 30 Number of children on roll 100 Name of registered person The Hangout Afterschoolclub Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07841749088 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Hangout registered in 2020. It is situated at Passmores Academy in Harlow, Essex. The club operates during school holidays only from 9am to 3pm. There are six members of staff, five of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications between levels 2 and 6.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy while at the club. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n The inspector spoke with the leader about the leadership and management of the club. n The manager and the inspector discussed the intentions of the club. They observed staff practice together, and discussed how well staff interact and promote children's play and enjoyment.

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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

14 February 2023 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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