Jousters At Applecroft

Inspection of Jousters At Applecroft Applecroft School, Applecroft Road, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6JZ

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This provision meets requirements

Staff greet the children warmly and welcome them into the club. All children know where to store their bags and coats and quickly help themselves to something they like to eat. All children clearly enjoy their time at the club. They develop good relationships with the staff and each other, choose what they would like to play with and behave very well. Children are kind to one another. Older children are patient and kind with the younger ones, as they follow the good example set by staff.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff know children's needs, their likes and dislikes. They use this to provide an interesting range of play opportunities and planned activities for children of all ages. They enthusiastically join in conversations with the children, take part in their play, and show genuine interest in what they are doing. For example, when children use chalks to make a number line, staff eagerly join in, encouraging the children as they make the line longer and longer. They set out exciting craft activities and help children to decide how they are going to decorate their own Christmas decorations. Children hold lively discussions as they add beads and sequins to Christmas decorations. They glue and colour and take pride in the decorations they have created.

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need to do better?

n The provider and manager support the staff to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children. They have built strong relationships with the staff at the school, so that they can share appropriate information to enable them to meet children's needs. This also helps them to shape the activities they offer to complement things that children do at school. Staff state they feel valued and that they enjoy working at the club. n Staff readily speak about the children in their care and clearly know them well. They are kind and encouraging. They praise children for achievements and positive behaviours, and support them to resolve any conflicts as these arise. This underpins children's emotional security. Children are confident to speak to visitors and to share their feelings, thoughts and ideas. n The provider, manager and their staff have developed strong relationships with parents. They work closely with parents before their children start at the club to

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need to do better?

establish good working relationships and to gather relevant information. They are vigilant about information relating to children's dietary needs, including any allergies. Parents praise the careful attention that staff give to the dietary needs of children, stating that they feel very reassured about their children's safety. Parents report that they are very happy with how well the staff at the club care for their children.

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need to do better?

11 December 2023 n Children have plenty of time to play outside in the fresh air. Staff make sure that those children who prefer outdoor play can stay outside as long as possible. For example, they use floodlights and high-visibility jackets to make sure they can see the children. They make sure that children are well dressed for colder weather. They join in games with children such as football and support them to use outdoor play equipment to develop their physical skills. Staff have carefully risk assessed the various climbing frames in the playground, to ensure that these are only used by children who are old enough to do so. They help younger children to kick balls, to use bats and to play running games. n Staff encourage children's good hygiene. All children know they need to wash their hands before tea. Staff offer a wide range of nutritious food, with crackers with healthy toppings, fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy chatting to staff and

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need to do better?

each other at teatime. They sit at tables together and talk about their day. n There are secure arrangements in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff work closely with teachers at the school and the children's parents. This helps them to meet children's needs and to support them to join in a wide range of activities with their friends.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

All leaders and staff have a thorough understanding of the procedures to keep children safe. They attend regular training to maintain their knowledge of child protection matters. Staff can clearly identify indicators of different types of abuse and neglect. They understand how to report any concerns they may have about a child's welfare. They also know how to raise any concerns about the behaviour of staff who work with children. Staff have all gone through secure recruitment procedures and have been subject to relevant suitability checks.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY496550 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10304920 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 60 Number of children on roll 111 Name of registered person Jousters Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07849676490 Date of previous inspection 6 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Jousters At Applecroft registered in 2015. The club employs four members of childcare staff who hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. It operates Monday to Friday during term time only. It offers a breakfast club from 7.45am to 8.55am and an after-school club from 3.10pm to 6pm. A holiday club operates during some school holidays.

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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 talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual and the manager about the leadership and management of the club. n Children spoke with the inspector and told them about their experience at the club. n The inspector viewed relevant documentation, including evidence of staff suitability checks.

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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

11 December 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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