Brighter Days -The Leys

Inspection of Brighter Days -The Leys Leys Primary & Nursery School, Ripon Road, Stevenage SG1 4QZ

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This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy their time at this club. They are warmly welcomed by staff as they arrive and become engaged in a range of activities available to them. Staff ensure there is a diverse selection of resources, including art and craft activities, puzzles and plenty of outdoor play. Children show their creativity and focus, particularly in activities such as making autumn wreaths and pumpkin painting. Staff skilfully support children's creative expression, encouraging them to experiment with materials. They praise children as they write their names on their wreaths, strengthening early literacy skills and building children's confidence.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff's interactions with the children are warm, supportive, and attentive, which creates a positive atmosphere. Staff highly value children's voices, giving children the autonomy to choose activities. Children show that they feel secure, respected, and valued at the club. Staff have high expectations and promote positive behaviour through the use of effective role modelling. They engage children in conversations about the day's activities and reinforce positive table manners at lunch time. Staff support children to follow age-appropriate rules such as 'walking feet' and 'kind hands.' This nurturing environment helps children to feel relaxed and behave well.

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need to do better?

n There is an established key-person system in place that supports early years children. These children are supported in their key areas of development, and receive plenty of encouragement through play, helping to foster their independence. Staff work closely with teachers and align activities with the school curriculum, creating a holistic learning experience for children. n Children are familiar with routines of the day, which helps them to feel safe and secure. For example, children recognise a particular piece of music as a cue to tidy up, which they respond to with enthusiasm, working together cooperatively. This helps to instil children with a sense of responsibility, independence and teamwork. n Outdoor play is a valued part of the day and children benefit from access to a well-equipped playground and a large climbing area. During the summer, a spacious meadow is used for picnics and play. These outdoor facilities provide

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need to do better?

children with plenty of opportunities to support their physical development and social interaction with their peers. n Children enjoy a variety of healthy foods, with nutritious options of fresh fruits and vegetables, promoting healthy eating habits. Staff supervise children in line with requirements, ensuring that dietary preferences or allergies are carefully followed to keep children safe.

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need to do better?

31 October 2024 n Staff provide effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They work closely with parents to fully understand the needs of the child and show a deep understanding of the unique strategies that work for children with SEND. As a result, children settle well and feel fully included at the club, helping them to make good progress. n Parent partnerships are well established. Staff gather essential information about each child's needs when they first start, including any preferences and care practice used at home. Parents are encouraged to meet staff, and receive communication through daily handovers, and social media updates. Parents state they are very happy with the club and their children enjoy attending. They appreciate the friendly staff who are always welcoming when they arrive. n Staff receive regular supervision focused on practice and training needs. Peer

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need to do better?

observations and access to ongoing training help staff continuously improve. Leaders promote a supportive, well-coordinated team environment with a focus on staff well-being, including mental health support when needed. They reflect on the club's high standard of care and accountability, and act promptly when issues arise. Termly team meetings cover safeguarding, and staff follow clear procedures for accidents and incidents, documenting and informing parents as required.

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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 2691520 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10360175 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 40 Number of children on roll 56 Name of registered person George, Tina Jessie

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reference number

Telephone number 01438314148 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Brighter Days The Leys registered in 2022. The club employs 14 members of childcare staff. Of these, eight hold early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The club opens Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.55am for breakfast club, and from 3.30pm until 6pm for the after-school club. The provision also provides a holiday club during the school holidays which operates from 7.45am until 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while at the club. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The provider showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. This included evidence of staff suitability, staff records and safeguarding documents. n The inspector spoke to parents 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

31 October 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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