Little Blue Van SJ

Inspection of Little Blue Van SJ St. Josephs Rc Primary School, North Road, Hertford SG14 2BU

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This provision meets requirements

Children are very happy at this setting. They radiate joy and enthusiasm as soon as they walk through the doors. Younger children are supported to come to the setting by caring staff, while older children make their own way, to promote their independence. Staff and leaders create a fun and dynamic environment. Children are confident to voice their preferences and interests, and knowledgeable staff carefully consider these when planning meaningful and stimulating activities. Staff prompt children to make their own decisions about what activities to explore next, indoors and outdoors. For example, a group of children choose to play football on the playground. They work collaboratively with their peers, following the rules of the game, while staff guide them to persevere when challenges occur.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff and leaders are supportive and nurturing. They have very clear expectations of children, who rise to the challenge incredibly well. They understand the setting's routines and boundaries and follow them with confidence and ease. Staff and leaders also follow the school's ethos and beliefs and continuously encourage children to embrace these with grace and dedication. This supports the continuity of care and education. Furthermore, staff and leaders appreciate children's achievements and praise them for their efforts. This makes them feel involved and valued and develops their emotional resilience.

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need to do better?

n Experienced leaders provide an inclusive and diverse practice. Effective systems to capture children's needs and interests mean that children settle and adapt very quickly at this setting. In addition, staff and leaders ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are included and fully supported. n Staff are excellent role models to all children. They continuously engage in discussions and conversations with children and form very fond relationships with them. They are very attentive to children's needs and preferences and organise fun activities to broaden their experiences. This helps support children's communication and language skills and strengthen their social interactions. n Children benefit from amazing opportunities to perfect their fine motor skills and dexterity. They use small building blocks to create structures and sceneries. Children work well with their peers, exploring various ideas while engaging in

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need to do better?

imaginative play. Staff prompt them to solve problems and communicate effectively, to further develop their critical thinking and cognitive development. n To further enhance children's fine motor skills and creativity, staff encourage children to learn to knit using their fingers. Children concentrate intently at the task and make their own bracelets. In addition, children use clay and templates

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need to do better?

16 January 2025 to make snakes and mice. Staff prompt children to engage in discussions about what they are doing while following the instructions as required. This also supports children's listening and attention skills and increases their concentration span. n Staff provide great opportunities for children to engage in guessing games. As children focus intently to guess the shape and the drawing, they show high levels of fascination and determination. They quickly become very competitive while maintaining respect and consideration towards their peers. Nurturing staff also prompt children to recall past events and experiences to build on their communication and language skills. n Leaders are very ambitious, reflective and inspirational. They have a very clear vision for their setting and work relentlessly to provide unique and meaningful experiences for all children, in a calm and happy environment. Their ethos and

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need to do better?

dedication is embraced by all staff with commitment. Leaders create a positive and supportive culture, where staff's well-being and professional development are highly valued. Staff benefit from regular supervision meetings and tailored training programmes to refresh and improve their knowledge and skills. They report they are very happy to work at this setting. n Partnerships with parents are robust. They praise the dynamic and safe environment and mention how well looked after their children are. Parents also appreciate the effective communication and the support and flexibility they receive from all staff and leaders.

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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 2700515 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10367726 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 147 Name of registered person Little Blue Van (GA) Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07770963701 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Blue Van SJ registered in July 2022 in Hertford. The setting operates Monday to Friday from 3.15pm until 6pm, during term time only. The setting employs four members of staff, one of whom has an early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The provider showed the inspector around the setting. They discussed how the setting and the activities are organised. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff members and children and assessed how children's interests are considered when planning activities. n Some parents provided written feedback and the inspector took into account their views. n The inspector had a discussion with the staff members about the activities provided for all children. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector held a meeting with the leaders. She looked at the relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of suitability of the staff to work with children.

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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

16 January 2025 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

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

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