Podz

Inspection of Podz The Old Stone Barn, Westfiled Terrace, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8BB

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive at the after-school club happy and keen to share news from their day at school. They quickly settle into a variety of activities. Children work in small groups to continue with a puzzle. They explore the cornflour and water mixture in a large tray and talk about it feeling 'satisfying' as it drips from their fingers. Children place their whole hands into it and watch as it moves around the tray. Children are comfortable with the staff to request different activities. For example, children ask to play bingo. Children excitedly look to see if they have the correct number. Children's behaviour is good. Older children eagerly support younger children with activities. For example, they point out to younger children easier balls to hit when playing pool.

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This provision meets requirements

Children understand the routines at the after-school club. They know they need to wash their hands before having their snack. Children choose what they would like to eat from the fruit available. They approach visitors confidently to speak with them. They talk about what they are making and what they need to use to complete their project. For example, needing tape to attach two parts to make a hammer.

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need to do better?

n The after-school club is well managed. The owner ensures that the children remain a priority and that their needs are always met. She feels that children experience structure during their school day and she likes them to feel more relaxed while attending the club. n All staff have a good understanding of special educational needs and/or disabilities. They recognise the importance of working with parents and other professionals. Staff attend support meetings to ensure that all children receive the correct support. This enables children to reach their full potential while attending the club. n Staff skilfully support children to write the rules for the club. The rules are on display around the building. This helps children to have a sense of ownership and belonging. n Children access an electronic games console. They are always supervised by a member of staff to ensure they remain safe. Children talk about how fast their

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need to do better?

motorcycles are going on the game and how they would like to have a motorcycle when they are older. Staff discuss about being safe while using motorcycles. n Staff help children learn how to use different resources. For example, a member of staff models how to use a tape dispenser. Children competently repeat the actions, enabling them to complete their craft project.

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need to do better?

29 March 2023 n Staff have a good relationship with the school. They share relevant information during drop off and collection times. This allows a smooth transition to happen from school to after-school club for the children. n Parents speak highly about the staff. They state that communication is always good. Parents like the variety of activities available to their children and the relaxed environment. They talk about how much their children enjoy visiting the local park or using the outdoor area attached to the club. n Parents and children are regularly provided with questionnaires. This allows parents to provide feedback about what is being provided at the club. For example, parents enjoy the flexibility of sessions. Children feedback about activities they have enjoyed, what they would like to do more of and things they would like changed. For example, children state they do not want to do homework while at the after-school club.

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need to do better?

n Staff feel well supported by the owner. They undertake discussions at the beginning and end of each session. This allows time for sharing information about concerns or ideas for activities. Staff are aware they can speak to the owner if they have any issues and recognise that she will provide support for them. n All staff undertake further training to enhance their already existing knowledge. For example, staff have completed disability awareness and first-aid training. The owner ensures that training undertaken will meet the needs of the children attending and provide further development for the staff members.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All staff have a good understanding of how to protect the children in their care. Staff recognise the signs of abuse and know how to make a referral. They understand the importance of maintaining accurate records. Staff understand their role in regard to the 'Prevent' duty and wider safeguarding issues. The owner has a robust recruitment process in place. References and all relevant checks are undertaken to ensure staff are suitable to work with children. All staff are clear about what they would do if they had a concern about a colleague.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY390048 Local authority North Northamptonshire Inspection number 10276656 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 32 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Mortimer, Beverley

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reference number

Telephone number 01933 317397 Date of previous inspection 26 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Podz registered in 2009. It is situated in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. The club employs four members of childcare staff, one of whom holds an appropriate qualification at level 2. The club opens from Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.40am and from 3.10pm until 6pm. In school holidays, the club operates a play scheme which is open from 7.30am 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 provider. n The provider showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector spoke with the registered individual about the leadership and management of the setting. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the after-school club. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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

29 March 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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