Rainbow Childcare

Inspection of Rainbow Childcare Alban Wood Primary School, The Brow, WATFORD WD25 7NX

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This provision meets requirements

Children are excited to arrive at this vibrant after-school club. They thoroughly enjoy the time they spend engaged in play, laughing and sharing jokes with their friends and staff. Staff have a detailed understanding of all children who attend. This allows them to organise activities that support their varied and extensive interests, including crafts, games and outdoor games. Staff encourage children to play a role in planning their environment each day. For example, they create activities and colouring sheets as requested by children based on their favourite cartoon characters.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave well in the after-school club. They are kind and respectful towards their friends and adults, behaviours that staff consistently role model in their interactions. Staff promote positive behaviours well with strategies that mirror those of the host school. They provide children with an abundance of praise and are swift to remind them of the setting rules. Children form close bonds with each other. They are kind to one another and display high levels of empathy. For example, children are swift to identify their friends who are playing alone or new to the setting and invite them into their games.

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need to do better?

n Children demonstrate a deep sense of belonging at this homely after-school club. They relish completing tasks and taking on extra responsibilities. For example, children set the table, take it in turns to serve their friends meals and pour drinks. They independently tidy away their games and take responsibility for their environment. n Staff form close, respectful relationships with parents and carers. Parents value the deep knowledge staff have of their children and the support they provide for the entire family. They praise staff for the close bonds they develop with children and comment on how much their children enjoy attending. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported in the breakfast and after-school club. Leaders work with school staff to identify ways to meet children's needs. For example, they provide children with a 'chill- out' room, where they can take time out from the busy play environment.

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need to do better?

Leaders complete additional training around the specific needs of children. This allows them to implement appropriate activities and behavioural strategies. n Relationships with the host school are strong. All staff at the after-school club work at the school. They have exceptional knowledge of all children who attend. This is particularly evident with the youngest children, who demonstrate particularly close bonds with staff. Setting leaders and school staff communicate well with one another daily. This collaborative approach supports children's

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need to do better?

3 February 2025 development and well-being. n Leaders are attentive to children's needs and engage exceptionally well with them during play. They are swift to identify changes in children's behaviour and emotions and provide additional support and care, where appropriate. n Children settle swiftly in the after-school club because staff have robust induction processes in place. Children spend increasing amounts of time in their new environment, familiarising themselves with staff and routines. Leaders gather detailed information about children prior to them starting. This enables them to plan an environment that is inviting and stimulating for children. n Children enjoy delicious home-cooked meals at their breakfast and after-school club. Leaders consider children's preferences and allergies well when planning a healthy and nutritious menu. Robust processes are in place to ensure children are safe while eating. Staff sit with children, creating a social routine. They

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need to do better?

discuss why it is important not to wander around while eating, and monitor what children eat to provide feedback for parents. n Sharp focus is given to children's emotional well-being. Leaders understand that some children may need to relax and unwind after a busy day at school. They create a calm area with sofas and blankets, where children can explore books, watch a film or chat to friends. Leaders are always on hand to talk to children about their time at school or any worries they may have.

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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 2691929 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10375721 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 20 Number of children on roll 30 Name of registered person Rainbow Childcare Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 07515817269 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Rainbow Childcare registered in November 2022. They operate from Alban Wood Primary School, Watford. The club employs two members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate level 3 qualification. The club opens Monday to Friday from 8am to 8.45am and from 3pm to 6pm, during term time only.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and provider took a tour of the club. They discussed how the club is organised and the play opportunities provided for children. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including evidence of the suitability of all staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children during activities.

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Inspection activities

3 February 2025 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

3 February 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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