The Croft (Hertford) Ltd

Inspection of The Croft (Hertford) Ltd Wheatcroft Jmi School, Stanstead Road, HERTFORD SG13 7HQ

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This provision meets requirements

Staff build positive and warm relationships with the children in the relaxing and welcoming environment. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club. They hold lively conversations with each other as they play. Children have opportunities to express themselves and be creative. They complete craft activities of their choosing. Children draw and colour in their own pictures. They create their own books and read them to their friends and younger siblings. When making woollen pom-poms, staff teach children new skills. They give clear instruction about how to hold, cut and tie the wool. Staff encourage children to complete tasks, only helping when they are struggling.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff help children practise valuable social skills. When playing board games, staff role model turn taking and calmly encourage children to listen to each other. Staff speak positively to children, and help them to learn how to cope with set backs and to persevere. For example, they say 'unlucky' when and encouraging children to try again. Children behave well and seek staff out when they have a question or a request. Equally, staff monitor and are tuned into the needs of the children, particularly the youngest children. When children become quiet and solitary, staff gently ask them what they need and make suggestions to help children understand their own needs at the end of a tiring day at school.

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need to do better?

n The leader of the club and her team provide children with a range of interesting experiences for them to choose how they want to spend their free time before and after school. They get to know the children well and, as a result, activities reflect children's interests. n The leader helps staff to develop their knowledge and skills. She discusses with them, informally, how they can better their interactions with the children and ensures they complete all mandatory training. However, the leader does not always provide regular opportunities for staff to embed newly learned knowledge and skills. n There is a positive and professional relationship with other adults involved in each child's life. Communication is clear and puts children at the centre. When children have additional needs, staff work together to meet children's individual needs. This partnership between teachers and staff fosters children's well-being.

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need to do better?

n Staff prepare a balanced meal that includes healthy vegetables and fruit. They remind children to wash hands before eating, promoting the good hygiene practices. This helps support the good health of children. n Parents are very pleased with the service provided. They feel confident that all communication is managed effectively. They report that their children are very

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need to do better?

15 January 2024 happy and talk about how they cannot wait to come to the club. n Staff help children to solve problems during play. For example, they test out ways to connect pieces of a marble run. When playing board games, they encourage children to figure out the amount of change required when paying the banker. n Children can relax when they need to in the comforting area. They curl up and choose a film that soothes them. Staff support children to consider other's needs. Children wait patiently for their turn and this helps develop empathy for their peers.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY406193 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10301023 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 24 Number of children on roll 46 Name of registered person The Croft (Hertford) Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07909103124 Date of previous inspection 18 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The Croft (Hertford) Ltd registered in 2010. The club employs six members childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The club opens Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions for the breakfast club are 7.45am until 9am. The after-school club runs from 3.15pm until 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the manager and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the club. n The leader talked to the inspector about how the provision is organised, and the opportunities provided for the children. The inspector observed and evaluated the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector read written testimonies and spoke to several parents during the inspection and considered their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the club. n Children talked with the inspector during the inspection.

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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

15 January 2024 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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