Junior Adventures Group @ Blackthorns

Inspection of Pioneer Childcare - Blackthorns Blackthorns C P Academy, 3 Blackthorns Close, Lindfield, Haywards Heath RH16 2UA

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This provision meets requirements

Children are happy to attend this setting and form trusting relationships with staff. They show they feel safe and secure, and confidently chat to their friends and staff about their plans for the school holidays. Staff follow children's interests and engage them in further discussion about their families and home experiences. This supports a strong sense of belonging at the club.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff actively seek children's views and ideas. They spend time getting to know them well and offer them a variety of activities they enjoy. Children show positive attitudes and are keen to make independent choices in their play. They delight in constructing models and staff follow their interests and introduce new words, such as propellor. Children have access to the large school playground and enjoy fresh air and exercise each day. Staff encourage children to practise their skills and to join in team games, such as dodgeball and football.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff are good role models. They involve children in active discussions about the club rules, and children demonstrate they understand these well. For example, they discuss the consequences that their behaviour could have on themselves and others. Children enjoy spending time with their friends and show kindness to each other. Older children demonstrate this well and show their younger peers how to cut tape with scissors. Staff praise children for being caring towards others, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n Staff seek and value the views of children. For instance, they hold weekly meetings with them about what they would like to do or change in the club. They also encourage children to write down their views and post them in the suggestion box. This supports all children in understanding that staff respect and value their opinions. n Children participate in lots of activities that successfully capture their interests. For instance, they paint and draw, make paper aeroplanes and enjoy flying them with their friends. However, at times, some adult-led activities are not planned precisely enough or fully explained to children. This means some children, particularly the younger children, do not fully understand how to start them and they become a little confused and frustrated. n Staff promote healthy lifestyles. They offer children a wide range of healthy food options, such as wraps with nutritious fillings and fruit. They remind children

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need to do better?

about the importance of remaining hydrated and to refill their water bottles. Staff skilfully use routines, such as mealtimes, to support children's developing independence. Children know where to take their plates, and dispose of their

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need to do better?

3 April 2025 food without prompting. n Staff offer children positive initiatives, such as reward strategies, to encourage and celebrate good behaviour. Children are keen to be star of the day and strive to achieve this. They are kind, helpful and respectful to their friends and staff. For example, they support each other in team games and praise their friends for their achievements. n Partnerships with parents and the host school are strong. Staff have daily conversations with parents at collection times, including passing messages on from their child's class teachers. Parents state that communication is good and staff keep them informed about their child's day. n The management team ensure the inside and outside environments are consistently safe and secure. Staff conduct regular checks before and during the session to ensure children's safety. They discuss risk assessments with children and children demonstrate they understand them. For example, they know they

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need to do better?

need to ask staff if they would like to access the climbing apparatus. Staff deploy themselves effectively and children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club. n The management team understand the importance of regular evaluation to help benefit children. They act quickly when they identify areas that need further improvement, and provide staff with the appropriate support and coaching needed. Staff have regular supervision and have access to professional development opportunities. They complete mandatory training, such as safeguarding, health and safety and food hygiene. They show a strong commitment to their roles and say they feel valued and supported well.

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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 2720459 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10380928 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 120 Name of registered person Pioneer Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01444411388 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Pioneer Childcare - Blackthorns registered in 2025. The club operates from Blackthorns C P Academy in Haywards Heath. The club opens Monday to Friday, from 7am to the start of the school day and the end of the school day to 6.30pm. It employs four staff.

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Inspection activities

n Leaders showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n Leaders showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke to staff during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

3 April 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 April 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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