Kids Company

Inspection of Kids Company Kimpton Primary School, High Street, Kimpton, Hitchin SG4 8RB

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children are happy and thoroughly enjoy their time at this after-school and holiday club. They immerse themselves in a range of exciting opportunities available to them. For example, children enjoy craft and cooking activities. They listen carefully to instructions to learn how to measure materials and ingredients to make their muffins and 'sock bunnies'. Children have good opportunities to be physically active. For example, outside, children strengthen their arm and leg muscles as they play on climbing frames and swing on monkey bars. Children can rest and relax while colouring and reading books and during yoga sessions.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children's behaviour is positive. They form good friendships and enjoy each other's company. For example, children engage in imaginative play as they collaboratively discuss their roles and the storyline for their games. They express their ideas as they make 'wands' and 'broomsticks' from construction materials. Staff explain daily rules to children to keep themselves safe. As a result, children are confident to remind each other how to be safe when playing 'archery'. Younger children are welcomed by older children through 'buddy systems', to help integrate them and build their confidence. This creates a supportive atmosphere, where all children feel safe, and secure.

p.2

need to do better?

n The club's provider promotes an inclusive environment that allows all children to participate. Key persons help to ensure children's needs are cared for. Arrangements are made to ensure those who are disadvantaged are supported to access the club successfully, such as children who receive additional funding or children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n Children are supported to develop healthy lifestyles at the club. This includes regular handwashing before mealtimes and cooking activities. During holiday clubs, children eat from their own packed lunches. During after-school club times, staff provide children with a healthy range of snacks, including fruit and vegetables. All staff have completed food hygiene training to keep children safe. n Continuity of care between the host school and the club is effective. Staff escort children from their classrooms and have secure collection procedures when

p.2

need to do better?

children go home. Effective communication methods ensure parents are kept up to date with relevant information about their children's time spent at the club. n Staff's positive interactions with children help to develop confidence and resilience. As a result, children are excellent communicators, who keenly ask questions to learn new information. Children are friendly towards visitors, who they invite into their games. They are proud to show their model of a 'flying bank' they have made, to visitors.

p.2

need to do better?

7 August 2023 n Children thoroughly enjoy their outdoor play on the school playground and field. They play large-group games that entice others to join in. For example, children begin to roll large tyres down slopes, which quickly becomes a race of speed. Children cheer each other on and laugh when their tyre falls. Other children work cooperatively to build large scale models with construction resources. n Staff feel well supported by the provider and manager. They are offered good training opportunities to ensure their knowledge is current. They are pleased to take on new roles, such as planning and leading activities. They meet regularly to discuss the club's policies and procedures. This helps staff to feel confident in their responsibilities. n Parents are positive about the club and the activities on offer for their children. They feel the staff are extremely helpful and accommodating. The say their

p.2

need to do better?

child's time spent at this club has helped them to form and maintain friendships.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The club's provider ensures that staff's knowledge of child protection is current through regular training and team meetings. This helps staff to understand their role in keeping children safe. Staff know what to do if they have concerns about a child's welfare. They are aware of the signs that a child might be at risk of abuse or harm. Robust recruitment processes ensure staff are suitable to care for children. Staff inductions and supervisions monitor their suitability to continue caring for children. Managers regularly review accident forms to help ensure children can play safely, inside and outside. All staff are paediatric first-aid trained.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2633579 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10281170 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 40 Number of children on roll 340 Name of registered person Kids Company Hertfordshire Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07749 122883 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Kids Company registered in 2021. This is an out-of-school provision that operates for school-age children after school from 3.15pm until 6pm each day. It also operates during school holidays from 8am until 6pm. The setting employs six members of staff.

p.4

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 club. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. She looked at a range of documents, including first-aid certificates. n The inspector observed activities inside and in the outside play spaces. She spoke to the provider, manager, staff, and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector observed the different activities and equipment available to children. n The inspector spoke to parents and took their views into consideration.

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

7 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.

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