Children All Together (CAT Club)

Inspection of Children All Together (CAT Club) c/o Ace Room, Buttsbury Junior School, Norsey View Drive, Billericay, Essex CM12 0QR

p.1

This provision does not meet requirements

While the provider and team of staff understand they have a responsibility to protect children's welfare, there is a lack of understanding and knowledge of the correct procedure to follow should they have a concern about a child's well-being. There is also a lack of knowledge about how to report concerns regarding allegations made about members of staff. Additionally, robust checks and vetting procedures are not consistently followed when recruiting staff. Therefore, children's safety is compromised. Although parent partnerships are positive overall, a written complaints policy is not easily accessible for parents.

p.2

This provision does not meet requirements

Despite this, children are greeted by happy and caring staff who are genuinely pleased to see them. Children are excited to see their friends and siblings and hold hands as they chat about their day at school on the walk back to the club. The team of staff knows the children well and ensures all relevant information is in place, including the children's interests, before they attend. Children have established close and trusting bonds with the staff, who are attentive and offer children reassurance when needed. Staff ensure the club is set out ready for the children's arrival. Their artwork and creations are displayed, creating a sense of belonging. The club is very busy, but children, including the very youngest, are familiar with the routines and expectations. They confidently settle quickly to a chosen activity. Staff are calm and good role models. They offer children praise and reassurance. Children's behaviour is very good.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider and staff understand their responsibility to protect children from harm. However, they lack knowledge about the policy to follow should they have a concern a child may be at risk, and they are unsure about the whistle-blowing procedures. Recruitment and supervision procedures are not robust. These weaknesses do not promote children's safety. n Children happily arrive and are excited to explore the activities provided. There is a wide variety to choose from, including play opportunities outdoors. Children are familiar with the routines and know to store their personal belongings, wash their hands and have a fruit snack before engaging in their play. n Children make choices as to where they want to play. For example, many decide to sit in a cosy and quiet 'film' room. They make themselves comfortable on sofas with blankets and enjoy an appropriate film with their friends. Others enjoy games and physical activities in the garden or in the playground. They

p.2

need to do better?

know how to access quality resources as they organise games of tennis and football. n Young children settle well, and their emotional well-being is supported. For

p.2

need to do better?

12 September 2024 example, young children attending for the first time are offered reassurance and cuddles if needed. Older children are encouraged to help the younger ones. Children demonstrate they are kind and caring towards one another and have formed friendships. n The provider and the team have established positive working relationships with the host school. Any relevant information is shared when children are collected from the classroom to ensure continuity of care. n Staff have established professional, friendly partnerships with the parents. Parents speak extremely positively about all aspects of the club and the caring provider and supportive staff team. They comment that their children are very eager and happy to attend. Many comment that communication is good, and they appreciate the updates when they collect their children. n Children thoroughly enjoy a balanced and healthy menu. They are offered a hot,

p.2

need to do better?

freshly cooked meal that is prepared by the club cook. Their individual dietary needs and allergies are managed well. Children have ample portions and make choices from a range of foods available. Mealtimes are regarded as a social time to relax, and children sit and chat with their friends and demonstrate good manners. n Children are able to complete their homework after tea if they choose. They are fully supported by staff who sit with them. Parents comment how much they appreciate this opportunity. n Young children are able to take care of their personal needs independently and know to wash their hands without prompting when visiting the bathroom. However, a member of staff is on hand should they require any support.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Due date

ensure all staff understand and implement an effective policy and procedure, in line with the local safeguarding partners, that includes the action to take for child protection concerns and allegations against staff 21/10/2024

p.3

Due date

12 September 2024 ensure robust checks and vetting processes are followed when recruiting staff to ensure they are suitable to work with children 21/10/2024

p.3

Due date

ensure that there is a written procedure for dealing with complaints and that this information is accessible and available at all times 21/10/2024

p.4

Due date

improve the supervision of staff so that they are provided with coaching and support, issues are addressed as they arise, and staff's knowledge of safeguarding is monitored effectively. 21/10/2024

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY370582 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10354741 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 60 Number of children on roll 158 Name of registered person Rogers, Carol Ann

p.5

reference number

Telephone number 07929 043236 Date of previous inspection 5 November 2018

p.5

Information about this early years setting

Children All Together (CAT Club) registered in 1997. The club is open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am until 8.40am and 3.10pm until 6.30pm, during term time only. The club employs 13 members of staff. Of these, five hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The club manager showed the inspector around the club and explained how the play environment is organised. n The inspector had discussions with the manager to explore leadership and management issues. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of the provider's documentation, including policies and procedures and training certificates. n Parents told the inspector what they thought about the club and staff, and their views were considered. n The children told the inspector about what they like to do when they are at the club.

p.6

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.

p.6

Inspection activities

12 September 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7