Hitchin Fun Club At Highbury School

Inspection of Hitchin Fun Club At Highbury School Highbury Infant School, Standhill Road, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire SG4 9AG

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Met

Previous inspection Not Met (enforcement)

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This provision meets requirements

Children demonstrate confidence and courtesy at this busy and friendly after-school club. Older children socialise with the younger children frequently, and genuinely enjoy each other's company. They choose to sit together at mealtimes and discuss interesting subjects such as whether or not baked beans are a vegetable. Staff embed routines and provide an environment that suits children's needs. Children behave well and follow instruction because there are clear expectations. For example, staff shake a tambourine to indicate children need to stop and listen. Children respond by freezing and holding their hands in the air. Staff play energetically outside with children as they join in playing running games and hopscotch. Children use their whole bodies as they jump, hop and run, competing with spirit against each other in races.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Staff help younger children to learn about negotiation skills and then allow them to have a go themselves. For example, when children struggle to understand how to play a board game, staff join in and then skilfully step back when children are able to mediate between themselves. This allows children to practise vital skills in safe situations. They continue to play the game and successfully challenge each other about following the rules. Children spend time using their imagination. They construct house rafts out of construction materials. They dress up as their favourite characters and role play different story lines.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff provide an emotionally secure environment for children. They arrive happily and settle to play quickly with their friends. Staff know the children well and provide activities and resources that interest them. Children have the opportunity to relax away from the busy activities. Staff check on them regularly, gently encouraging them as and when they are ready to join in again. Children report they would go to a club grown up if they were worried. n Staff provide a variety of games with the children to develop their personal and social skills. They encourage children to listen, take turns and problem solve. However, sometimes the staff do not adapt the game well enough to keep older children engaged to the end. n Staff develop appropriate partnerships with parents and staff at the school. Parents report good communication with the club staff. They state the staff listen to feedback and, as a result, are planning outings for the holiday club

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need to do better?

sessions. n The club is well organised. The staff report high well-being and feel supported by the manager. They use a rota system to divide up the tasks and communicate well with each other. This helps develop team morale.

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need to do better?

13 March 2024 n Staff help build on children's knowledge of healthy lifestyles. They offer nutritious foods that include fruit and vegetables. Children also practise good hygiene procedures and play outdoors daily. n Safety is a high priority. The manager deploys staff effectively to supervise the children. The register is kept up to date and the outdoor area is thoroughly checked prior to use. For example, staff close all gates used by the parents at the end of the school day before the after-school club children use the playground. n The manager supports staff with the development of their practice. The qualified manager and deputy spend time observing staff working. They follow up by talking to staff about how to develop their interactions with children. n The management committee has reflected on the previous weaknesses and put measures in place to ensure all members who are involved in the operation of

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need to do better?

the club are suitable. Furthermore, they have considered the procedures for the future, so that the same issues do not reoccur. There are adequate procedures in place for all aspects of the club operation, including sensitive data.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2567156 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10336796 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 52

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Name of registered person

Hitchin Fun Club At Highbury School Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07591641745 Date of previous inspection 3 August 2023

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Information about this early years setting

Hitchin Fun Club At Highbury School registered in 2020. The club employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The club opens during term time from Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 3.15pm until 6pm. Additionally, the club opens during school holidays and sessions are from 8.30am until 5.30pm.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the nominated individual of the committee and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision with the manager. They discussed how children are kept safe and the organisation of the club. n The inspector spoke to the manager about the leadership and management of the club. She spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation during the inspection. n Parents shared their views about the club with the inspector.

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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 March 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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