The Great Group

Inspection of The Great Group Hartsfield School, Clothall Road, BALDOCK, HERTS SG7 6PB

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This provision meets requirements

Children remain thoroughly engaged throughout their time at this vibrant breakfast and after-school club. Staff cater well to the varied ages and interests of the children who attend. They provide numerous activities and resources both indoors and in the extensive outdoor areas. For example, children enjoy exploring a variety of sports in the all-weather garden. Those who prefer more sedate activities become engrossed in a wealth of craft activities.

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This provision meets requirements

Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the setting. They arrive happily and follow the routines of the club. Children chat openly about their day at school with the nurturing staff, who listen intently and offer advice and support that promotes children's well-being. Children show high levels of confidence and engage well with visitors. They chat to them about their chosen activities and proudly show off their artwork and achievements.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff encourage children to complete age-appropriate tasks that promotes their growing independence. On arrival, children of all ages hang their bags and coats up on the appropriate hooks. They know to wash their hands before lining up and helping themselves to healthy snacks. Children work as a team, setting the tables and pouring drinks for themselves and their friends.

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need to do better?

n Children form close bonds with each other. They are kind to one another and cooperate well in activities. For example, older children help their younger friends to cut out shapes in a craft activity. Children display high levels of empathy for others. They identify those who may be playing on their own and are swift to invite them into their games. n The provider monitors staff performance closely. She completes regular appraisals and supervisions with all staff to identify additional training requirements. Staff have access to a variety of online and face-to-face training opportunities to support their well-being and practice. n Staff work hard to maintain effective working relationships with the host school. They collect children from their classrooms, sharing vital information about children's day at school with class teachers. This ensures staff are able to offer additional support to promote children's well-being.

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need to do better?

n Children attending reception classes are particularly well supported in the setting. Staff work with parents to gather robust details about children's interests and early experiences. They use this information to plan exciting learning opportunities to support children's progress across all areas of the early years foundation stage. For example, children have access to several cosy

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need to do better?

13 November 2023 reading areas, where they enjoy exploring age-appropriate books with staff. n Children behave well in the setting. Staff support this by encouraging children to play an active role in establishing the setting rules. These rules are displayed across the rooms for children to refer to, where necessary. The provider promotes children's understanding of appropriate behaviour by mirroring the school's behaviour management strategies. This provides a consistent approach that supports children's positive behaviour. n Children's safety is paramount at the setting. Staff are particularly aware of children who have allergies. They have robust strategies in place to ensure their safety and well-being. Staff work closely with the host school to support children to identify potential risks and develop strategies to keep themselves safe. For example, the setting reinforces the schools teaching on subjects, such as online

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need to do better?

safety and bullying. n Staff work hard to establish close relationships with families. Parents are invited into the setting at drop off and when collecting children. Staff share vital information regarding children's time, both at the club and at school. Parents are complimentary about staff and the quality of care they provide. They comment on how their children enjoy attending and the close bonds children form with staff. n Children are highly sociable and interact well with one another at every opportunity. Staff support this by organising group activities, such as team games. They create opportunities for children to engage in meaningful conversations with staff and one another. For example, children and staff sit at tables together for snacks. They chat enthusiastically about their favourite sandwiches and the fruit that they enjoy at the setting.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The provider and staff all demonstrate a good understanding of their roles in keeping children safe. They are aware of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk from harm. Staff explain the correct process to follow when reporting concerns. Furthermore, they understand who to approach if they feel their concerns are not being correctly addressed. The provider has robust recruitment and induction processes in place and ensures the ongoing suitability of all staff.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2646590 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10300985 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 35 Number of children on roll 45 Name of registered person The Great Group Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07811 529 511 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The Great Group registered in 2021. The out-of-school club operates from Hartsfield JMI School in Baldock, Hertfordshire during school term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.45am and from 3.15.pm until 5.55pm. The club employs five members of staff, of these four hold appropriate level 3 childcare qualifications.

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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 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 considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. 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 observed the interactions between staff and children during activities.

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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

13 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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