CHIPS Saturday Club and Playscheme

Inspection of CHIPS Saturday Club and Playscheme Millbrook Junior Middle & Infant School, Gews Corner, Cheshunt, WALTHAM CROSS, Hertfordshire EN8 9BX

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children arrive happy and are excited to be at the club. They are respectful and say please and thank you to each other and staff. Children welcome visitors and invite them to play. They freely choose the activities they want to take part in. For example, children pretend to fill the toy cars with petrol to race across the playground. They challenge each other and compete to see whose car can travel the furthest. Children cheer each other on and celebrate their success.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children use their imagination as they create their own shows. They play the piano and guitar while their friends sing their favourite songs. Children play both indoors and outdoors. They have access to a large secure playground where some children go for a leisurely walk and others enjoy playing in the sandpit or playing basketball.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children are aware of the rules and boundaries of the club and know the routine well. They follow instructions and respond well when asked to come inside for snack. Children follow good hygiene practices. They wash their hands after playing outside and before snack.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are very happy and show that they feel safe during their time at the club. They freely choose the activities that they want to play with. New children are welcomed and settle very quickly. They are provided with a rich environment full of interesting and varied activities. For example, children play with construction toys, musical instruments, or sit with staff as they read them stories. They play in the sandpit, building castles, and in the home corner where they create the dishes from the menus provided. n Staff sensitively support children's emotional development and encourage them to express themselves appropriately. Staff are very aware of individual children's needs. For example, children who struggle with noise or crowds play outside the main hall, where staff colour in pictures with them, read stories or just sit and talk. Staff adapt their approach based on the needs of the children.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff and volunteers are caring and kind. They manage the children's behaviour well. Staff communicate with children respectfully and sensitively. They give children responsibilities and make them feel valued. n Children have opportunities to be creative and express themselves. For example, children play on the stage. They make up their own shows to show to the rest of the group. Children take turns and clap and cheer each other when they have finished their act. n Staff and volunteers say they are well supported by leaders and feel valued. Leaders ensure that they carefully allocated the most appropriate member of

p.2

need to do better?

22 April 2023 staff to the children. They do this by the children's preference, behavioural issues and health conditions. Leaders ensure that a first aider is always with children who may require immediate medical attention. They hold a meeting prior to each session to ensure that all staff are aware of the children who will be attending, and their needs, so they can care for them appropriately. n Leaders and staff have an excellent knowledge of special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff attend specific training to support the children in their care. They know the children exceptionally well and work closely with parents to ensure that they adapt their approach according to the needs and ability of the children. n Staff promote children's emotional development well. They have high expectations of what children can achieve and provide challenge and praise. Children select their own snacks and pour their own water. Previous attendees

p.2

need to do better?

of the club are encouraged to become volunteers. They say they are proud to be a volunteer and still be part of the club. n Leaders follow robust recruitment processes. Staff receive a comprehensive induction and attend regular training. Leaders reflect on the provision and identify areas for improvements. They plan regular trips during the school holidays and keep photographs of events to show children and parents. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Leaders have accurate records of the children and their abilities. Parents state how grateful they are to have the club and how invaluable it is to them. They state that the staff are caring, kind and knowledgeable. They appreciate the activities offered and feel that their children are safe.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have a strong understanding of their responsibility to safeguard children. They complete regular training to ensure that their knowledge is up to date. Staff are able to recognise the possible signs of abuse and neglect. They are aware of safeguarding issues, such as the risk of exposure to extreme views and behaviour. The club has policies in place to follow should they need to raise concerns regarding children's welfare to other agencies. Leaders have a central system in place to record staff suitability to work with children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY355522 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10279782 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 34 Number of children on roll 28

p.4

Name of registered person

Children's Integrated Playschemes Committee

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01992 622975 Date of previous inspection 16 September 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

CHIPS Saturday Club and Playscheme registered in 2007. The club employs 24 members of staff. Of these, 11 hold an early years qualification at level 2 or above. The club opens three Saturdays out of every four, during school term time. Sessions are from 10am until 12.30pm. It also operates a playscheme for three weeks during the school summer holidays, from 10am until 3.30pm. The club specialises in caring for children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities and their siblings.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the club received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager, and this has been taken into account in their evaluation of the club. n The manager showed the inspector around the club and explained how the play environment is organised. n The children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at the club. The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took account of feedback from parents.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

22 April 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6