Jesters Kids Club

Inspection of Jesters Kids Club Horseshoe Farm, Main Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford CM3 4EX

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This provision meets requirements

Staff build strong, trusting relationships with the children. This helps children to make excellent transitions from school to the club. Children settle in quickly, seeking out their friends to talk about their day. The staff team places a strong emphasis on supporting children's independence and self-worth. Children self-select their favourite activities from the wide range of inviting and interesting resources. Staff incorporate children's hobbies and interests into children's daily activities. As a result, children compete in games of chess and enjoy playing football with friends.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff teach children about the natural world in the forest garden. Children watch for birds and animals in the trees and farmland. Staff support children to consider the planet by recycling materials. Children build dens using old cable drums, sheets and textiles. Additionally, they create bridges out of old cardboard containers and tins.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff are excellent role models, teaching children respect and tolerance. As a consequence, children's behaviour is impeccable. They learn to manage their emotions through self-regulation activities. Children have respectful relationships with each other. They share, take turns and help others who need support. Staff sit with children at group time, igniting conversations that children continue during dinner.

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need to do better?

n Staff have high expectations of the children. They encourage them to prepare food for tea, where they discuss healthy food choices. Children talk about how vegetables grow while carefully cutting peppers and cucumbers. They use descriptive language to describe the colour and shape of the food. n Children listen to the staff and follow instructions. They learn to be respectful of others and embrace differences. Children learn how to talk about and manage their emotions. They spend time on sofas in the cosy area, reading books or listening to calming music. n Children are immersed and busy in their chosen activities. They enjoy being creative in the art and craft area, making things to take home. Children role play in the home corner, making tea for their friends. Some children sit to complete homework at the club, where staff offer support when needed. n Routines in the club help children to structure their afternoon. Tea is offered in

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need to do better?

stages so children are not interrupted during activities and can complete them. Children manage personal hygiene routines well, washing hands before meals and after outside play. n Staff ensure settling-in visits help children to feel secure in the club prior to

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need to do better?

1 February 2024 starting. They have excellent communication with school staff, which means important information about the children is shared. Topics children learn at school are planned in the club so that children's learning can continue. n Parents speak highly about the club. They talk about how happy and settled their children are. Parents feel reassured by the robust security and safeguarding measures. They are updated through email and verbal communication about their children's experiences. Children with additional needs are supported well, and parents value this highly. n Leadership of the club is highly effective and managers lead a culture of professional development so that staff have good opportunities to strengthen their skills and knowledge. Supervision meetings allow staff to speak openly about their well-being. This has a positive and clear impact on the children. Staff are trained in first aid and know how to treat children who have accidents. They

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need to do better?

understand how to manage children's allergies by implementing effective procedures. n Staff ensure that children are aware of keeping safe and remind them about staying within sight of the staff at all times. They teach children about being aware of strangers, and who to ask for help. Children use utensils and equipment safely and learn how to manage risks. They are confident to try new things and practise until they achieve what they set out to do.

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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 EY370434 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10312228 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 65 Name of registered person Jesters Kids Clubs & Nursery School CIC

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reference number

Telephone number 01245222384 Date of previous inspection 24 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Jesters Kids Club registered in 2008. The club employs eight members of staff. Of these, four have appropriate qualifications. One has a qualification at level 2, two at level 3 and one has qualified teacher status. The club opens Monday to Friday from 7.15am to 9am and from 3pm to 6.30pm, during term time. It also operates during the school holidays from 7.30am to 6.30pm.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the club 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 manager showed the inspector around the club and explained how the play environment is organised. n The inspector observed the interactions between the staff and children, indoors and outside. n The manager and inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector talked to staff, children and parents. n The inspector viewed documentation, including evidence of the suitability of staff, and held a meeting with managers.

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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

1 February 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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