Little Club Camp

Inspection of Little Club Camp Ponsbourne St. Marys Jmi School, Newgate Street Village, Hertford SG13 8RA

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This provision meets requirements

Children are warmly welcomed to this vibrant and energetic holiday club, and show they are happy and settled. Staff offer a rich and varied programme of activities that reflect the interests and needs of the children. A broad range of high-quality resources are made available, including arts and crafts and bracelet making. Children show high levels of imagination and pride as they design and decorate masks, with younger children receiving appropriate support to develop early writing skills as they learn to write their names. These run alongside planned visits from external providers, including magic shows, animal workshops and science experiments. Staff ensure that activities are carefully chosen to promote children's creativity, imagination and physical development.

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This provision meets requirements

Children demonstrate a clear sense of identity and belonging. Their voices are actively valued, as they express their interests and 'things they love' during registration time. Staff create a positive atmosphere through supportive and attentive interactions. They manage children's behaviour effectively and consistently. Staff are attuned to children's needs and use strategies, such as modelling, positive reinforcement and distraction techniques, to promote respectful behaviour. Staff are alert to factors, such as hunger or tiredness, that may have an impact on children's behaviour and respond proactively to maintain a calm, nurturing environment. This helps children to behave exceptionally well at the club.

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need to do better?

n The club implements a supportive settling-in process, including a buddy system that helps new children feel included and builds confidence. A thorough registration process enables staff to tailor the provision to individual needs. Children are allocated to small groups with named staff, ensuring continuity and fostering secure attachments. Early years children are supported by an effective key-person system to ensure that children receive consistent care from familiar adults. n The children's welfare is at the heart of the club's ethos. Staff work efficiently to ensure children are well supervised at all times. The environment is secure, with robust procedures in place to promote safety. Children are consistently taught how to keep themselves safe, with safety messages woven throughout the day. Staff talk through emergency procedures, including fire drills and whistle signals, and ensure children know which areas are out of bounds.

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need to do better?

n Children benefit from a structured and stimulating routine. Transitions are managed calmly and respectfully. For example, staff use familiar cues, such as clapping hands, to signal tidy-up time. Children respond immediately and work as a team to tidy away resources. They listen intently to instructions, showing

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need to do better?

27 May 2025 respect for both staff and their peers. n Staff provide a range of enrichment opportunities, such as circus skills sessions, to enhance the curriculum. These sessions are lively and engaging, with music, that promotes coordination, confidence and teamwork. Children learn to spin plates on sticks and have a go at juggling. During 'acro pop' sessions, staff encourage children to try new challenges, such as forward rolls and handstands, helping to build on their confidence and physical abilities. n Staff work in close partnership with parents. Effective communication is maintained through daily handovers, noticeboards and open telephone contact. Parents speak highly of the provision and the quality of care their children receive. They value the range of activities that staff provide and report that their children are enthusiastic about attending. n Outdoor play is well resourced and supports children's physical development

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need to do better?

through access to a variety of equipment, including rackets, skipping ropes, balls, and hoops. Children are given freedom to choose their play, which supports gross motor skills and encourages active lifestyles. n Leaders have a clear set of policies and procedures that underpin the effective operation of the holiday club. They ensure that key documentation, including parental consent and medical forms, are consistently implemented and routinely updated. Leaders foster a supportive and well-coordinated team, using effective monitoring systems to ensure staff practice consistently enhances children's experiences. Staff well-being is a clear priority with leaders adapting roles or shifts, where necessary, to meet individual staff needs. Staff report feeling valued and supported in their roles.

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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 2725615 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10394591 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 24 Number of children on roll 0 Name of registered person Little Club Partnership

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reference number

Telephone number 07875762621 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Club Camp registered in 2023. The club employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, two hold early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The club opens in the school holidays only, from Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 9.30am until 4.30pm.

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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 training certificates. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection to gain their feedback.

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Inspection activities

27 May 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

27 May 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

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