AJ's Out of School Child Care

Inspection of AJ's Out of School Child Care St Joseph's School, Watford Way, London NW4 4TY

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This provision does not meet requirements

Staff have formed strong bonds with children at the setting. Children are happy and confident in the familiar indoor and outdoor environment. Staff provide activities that interest and encourage children to take part. For example, children are interested in the table activities, such as board games, construction activities and logic puzzles. Staff have clear expectations about children's behaviour and children understand and know what they must do to stay safe. For example, they know to wash their hands before snack time and wait for their name before collecting their fruit.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children are well behaved. For example, children enjoy the responsibility of taking care of their coats and bags and placing them in the designated area. Staff allow the younger children to complete tasks for themselves to help develop their independence skills further. They enthusiastically prepare for registration while they chatter with staff and each other. Leaders and managers value the contribution of parents to enable staff to understand and support children. Daily updates from parents, when needed, are used to effectively support children to enjoy their time at the setting.

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need to do better?

n Staff have a good understanding of what children are interested in. They use their knowledge to adapt activities, so that all children can take part. For example, construction toys are moved to the younger children's level, so they can contribute to the building and share their ideas with older children. Older children are caring and supportive of younger children and encourage them to take part. n Staff develop positive relationships with children, which enable the children to feel secure and supported at the after-school club. n Children are given opportunities to talk about how their day at school has been. Staff are encouraging and listen carefully to what children say. This builds children's confidence and extends their communication and language. n Children are encouraged to be physically active. The outdoor play area is used well while there is sufficient light to play safely. Children have opportunities to

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need to do better?

run, play ball games, or take part in climbing activities. Children learn how exercise benefits their bodies and overall health. n Children are provided with healthy snacks during the after-school club. For example, children enjoy a selection of fruits at snack time as well as being able to help themselves to drinks during the session. n Parents report that their children are happy to attend and talk about the various activities they have taken part in. Staff gather detailed information about

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need to do better?

7 November 2023 children's care to ensure that they can meet medical and dietary requirements. Parents receive useful information about the after-school club when their children first start and throughout their attendance. n Leaders and managers have effective systems in place for the recruitment and vetting of staff. However, careful attention is not always given to ensuring that all staff are suitable to be included in ratio. Staffing arrangements must be carefully considered to ensure ratios are always met, particularly when there are unexpected staff absences. n Managers would benefit from up-to-date training and professional development opportunities. In order to further their understanding and implementation of the early years foundation stage and to ensure they offer further quality experiences for children that continually improve. n Children speak highly of the staff at the after-school club and comment on the

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need to do better?

different activities that they enjoy each time they attend, such as arts and crafts and being outside. Children benefit from daily opportunities to be imaginative and develop curiosity, both indoors and in the outside environment.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety is a high priority. The premises are safe and secure. A thorough daily risk assessment is completed indoors and outdoors before the arrival of the children. Managers ensure that staff implement policies and procedures effectively, such as following up on children's absences promptly. All staff understand signs and symptoms that a child may be at risk and the relevant reporting procedures. The designated safeguarding lead has a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities to protect children and works closely with other agencies.

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Due date

ensure managers and practitioners have up-to-date training and knowledge, to enable them to fulfil their roles and responsibilities and further meet the needs of the children 06/12/2023

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Due date

7 November 2023 provide staffing arrangements that meet the needs of all children with particular regard to ensuring that staff under 17 are not left unsupervised with children and not included in the staff to children ratio. 06/12/2023

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Setting details

Unique reference number 147492 Local authority Barnet Inspection number 10307091 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 40 Number of children on roll 58 Name of registered person Jenny & Brendan McNally Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 020 8202 2855 Date of previous inspection 14 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

AJ's Out of School Child Care registered in 1997. It operates from the grounds of St Joseph's School in Hendon. The group is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm during school holidays. The group employs a total of 12 staff, 5 of whom hold teaching or childcare qualifications at level 2 and above.

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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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke to/communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation.

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Inspection activities

7 November 2023 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

7 November 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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