MFSE

Inspection of MFSE Hilltop Primary School, Hilltop Road, Rochester ME2 4QN

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This provision does not meet requirements

The provider and team of staff understand they have a responsibility to protect children's welfare. However, the provider does not ensure that staff know the correct procedure to follow should they have a concern about a child's well-being. Therefore, children's safety is not assured.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Despite this, children are happy, settled and independent at this welcoming club. They are greeted by friendly staff at the end of their day at school. Children's decision-making skills are promoted effectively. For example, as they arrive from their classrooms, children independently choose how to spend their time, such as engaging in a range of activities or relaxing in the tent and chatting with friends.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and to play safely on the host school playground. Children choose from a variety of equipment. For example, they play group games, such as football or skipping, to develop their large muscles. Staff interact with children throughout the session well. Children relish the opportunity to share books or play card games with staff.

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This provision does not meet requirements

The club is very busy but children, including the very youngest, are familiar with the routines and expectations. As children explore the activities on offer, staff give gentle reminders to children, such as taking care of the resources and the environment. Staff use consistent approaches to support children's behaviour, helping them to understand what is expected of them. This helps children behave well.

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need to do better?

n Staff understand their responsibility to protect children from harm. They have knowledge about the signs of abuse, and understand these concerns should be referred on. However, the provider has failed to put in place effective arrangements to ensure that staff are fully equipped with the information they need to promptly refer to the correct agency, should they have a concern a child may be at risk. n Children confidently talk about their day at school, and staff take time to actively listen. This allows children to engage in meaningful conversations about their experiences, both inside and outside the club. Staff show a genuine interest in children's lives, and children feel that staff take into account their ideas and opinions. n Young children settle well, and their emotional well-being is supported. For example, young children are offered reassurance and cuddles if needed. Older children are encouraged to help the younger ones. Children demonstrate they

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need to do better?

21 May 2025 are kind and caring towards one another and have formed friendships. n The majority of children thoroughly enjoy a balanced and healthy menu. They are offered a hot, freshly cooked meal that is prepared by the club cook. Their individual dietary needs and allergies are managed well. n Staff have a clear vision and ethos for the care they provide at the club. They focus on offering a relaxed environment, where children feel safe, secure and valued. Leaders are committed to providing enriching experiences for all children. They foster a strong team culture, where staff feel valued, confident and supported in their roles. n Partnerships with the host school and parents are good. Staff use drop off and collection times to communicate with teachers and parents to exchange important information about the children. This helps staff to understand and meet the individual needs of children. Staff have established professional,

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need to do better?

friendly partnerships with the parents. Parents provide positive feedback, commenting that their children are very eager and happy to attend. n Staff carry out daily risk assessments of the club to ensure the safety of all children. As they move between different sites in the school, staff implement effective procedures to help reduce any risks. For example, staff frequently communicate through walkie-talkies. Furthermore, staff keep a consistent and thorough count of children as they pass through different areas of the provision. As children play in the large outdoor area, staff are deployed effectively to ensure that children are always visible. Children are provided with a safe and secure environment to play and learn in.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Due date

ensure that staff understand the action to take to report any concerns about a child's welfare, and have access to any relevant information they need to do this. 04/06/2025

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2728169 Local authority Medway Inspection number 10394684 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 30 Number of children on roll 42 Name of registered person Group 23 Services Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07739386650 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

MFSE registered in 2023. It operates from Hilltop Primary School, Rochester, Kent. The club employs three members of staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate qualification at level 2, and two are unqualified. The club is open Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 3pm to 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and the children. n The provider showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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

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

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