Hitchin Fun Club At Highbury School

Inspection of Hitchin Fun Club At Highbury School Highbury Infant School, Standhill Road, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire SG4 9AG

p.1

Not met (enforcement)

Previous inspection Not Met (with actions)

p.1

This provision does not meet requirements

The provider has failed to address safeguarding concerns identified at the last inspection. Suitability checks for a committee member who is involved in making decisions regarding children's safety and welfare have still not been conducted. Despite this, children enjoy attending and are thoroughly engaged throughout their time at the club. Staff support this well by encouraging children to take an active role in the planning of the environment. Children give regular feedback on their favourite activities and help select new resources and equipment to purchase. Staff cater well to the varied interests of all children who attend. For example, children can enjoy sport activities in the school hall and extensive outdoor area. In the dining hall, children can engage in a variety of craft activities or bake biscuits to take home.

p.2

This provision does not meet requirements

Children behave well. They are aware of the rules in the club and why they are in place. Children cooperate well with one another during activities. For example, they share out ingredients and resources during a baking activity, ensuring everyone has a turn. Children are polite to one another. They are kind and offer support and praise to their friends. Staff are good role models, demonstrating good manners towards children and adults.

p.2

need to do better?

n Appropriate suitability checks for a committee member have still not been completed. The provider has failed to ensure vital information needed to complete these checks has been communicated effectively to Ofsted. n Staff embrace opportunities to support children's learning during activities and routines. They encourage children to explore mathematical concepts, such as shape and fractions, when cutting their toast at snack time. When baking biscuits, staff role model descriptive vocabulary when exploring the 'sticky' and 'crumbly' dough. Staff enhance children's scientific knowledge. They encourage children to discuss how adding different quantities of liquid can change the consistency of their dough. n Staff have good knowledge of the children in their care. They communicate well with parents from the start. This enables staff to gather detailed information regarding children's interests and needs. Staff use this to create an environment

p.2

need to do better?

that supports the well-being of all children who attend. For example, staff have clear processes in place to support the needs of children with food allergies. n The provider conducts regular supervision meetings with all staff to monitor performance, well-being, and identify areas for development. Staff regularly access additional training opportunities to enhance their practice. This supports them in meeting the changing needs of children in their care.

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need to do better?

3 August 2023 n Staff support children's understanding of healthy lifestyles. They encourage children to grow their own fruits and vegetables that they pick and serve during snack time. Staff plan fun activities to support children's knowledge of healthy eating. For example, children select fruit and create smoothies to have with their lunch. Children have plenty of opportunities to be active in the extensive outdoor area. They engage in football and basketball matches and explore a variety of climbing equipment. n Staff communicate well with class teachers to support children's emotional well- being. They share detailed information about each child's day at school. This enables staff to identify when children may have struggled and offer additional support where necessary. n Children are confident. They engage well with visitors, chatting to them enthusiastically and inviting them into their play. For example, children are keen

p.2

need to do better?

to discuss the activities they enjoy at the club. Staff support children to develop a sense of pride in their achievements. They praise children's efforts and display their crafts for visitors and parents to admire. n Staff supervise children's play well. They engage with children during activities, asking thought-provoking questions to support their curiosity. For example, as children create animals out of coloured beads, staff encourage then to discuss what animals they would like to be and why.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The provider does not fulfil their role to keep children safe. Safeguarding concerns highlighted at the previous inspection have still not been rectified. Suitability checks for a committee member have not been completed despite several reminders being sent from Ofsted. Staff confidently discuss the signs and symptoms which could indicate that a child is at risk from abuse. They explain the correct process to follow when reporting concerns to the appropriate authority. The provider ensures all staff complete regular safeguarding and first-aid training in line with local authority guidelines.

p.3

Due date

3 August 2023 provide Ofsted with required information in a timely manner to ensure suitability checks for committee members are completed. 31/08/2023

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2567156 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10279295 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 35 Number of children on roll 32

p.5

Name of registered person

Hitchin Fun Club At Highbury School Committee

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 07783027534 Date of previous inspection 19 October 2022

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Information about this early years setting

Hitchin Fun Club At Highbury School registered in 2020. The club employs eight members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The club opens during term time from Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 3.15pm until 6pm. Additionally, the club opens during school holidays and sessions are from 8.30am until 5.30pm.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken this into account in their evaluation of the provider. 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 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 spoke to the provider about the leadership and management of the club.

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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

3 August 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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