Jousters At St Mary's

Inspection of Jousters At St Mary's St Marys Junior School, St Marys Way, Baldock SG7 6HY

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children arrive at the club happily chatting to their friends and staff. They know the routine and hang their bags in the cloakroom and sanitise their hands before sitting down together for snack. They have the healthy choice of wholemeal toast or crackers followed by fruit. Staff take time to talk to the children and help them to relax and unwind. Staff and older children role model kindness and respect, and as a result, children's behaviour is extremely good. They are thoughtful and polite to each other, staff and visitors. Children listen carefully when adults are talking to them because adults keep this brief to ensure that play is disrupted as little as possible.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children enjoy a good range of activities. They independently choose what they want to do, taking resources from cupboards if they wish. Children enjoy the craft activities, and older children support younger ones when sewing. Staff gently demonstrate how to push the needle through the hole in the card, encouraging independence. Children proudly show their finished result to the staff and other children. Outdoors, children have access to a large field to play ball games and run around as well as activities in a shaded area.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff talk to parents when their child starts at the club to ensure they know their likes and dislikes. Staff are friendly and calm, and new children settle quickly. n Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Staff follow effective procedures to collect children from their classrooms. n There is a strong ethos for all the children to have fun and relax after school in a homely environment. Staff have a strong relationship with the children, built on mutual respect. n Routines are in place but are flexible depending on the circumstances. For example, on an extremely hot day, the children stay indoors for longer and play in the shade until the temperature drops. n Staff are good role models, who help children to develop positive attitudes. The club has the same rules as school, which helps deepen children's understanding of the behaviour expected from them. n Independence is encouraged and the skills needed for this are taught where

p.2

need to do better?

necessary. For example, children play a game involving turn-taking and placing counters in turn. Staff gently step in and demonstrate how to play the game and remind children to take turns. The children focus on the game and play for some time afterwards independently. n Children have opportunities for physical play and cooperatively play football in the large field while other children run around trying to get their parachute to

p.2

need to do better?

19 June 2025 rise. n Children have respect for their resources and environment, demonstrated as they tidy up after their activity. Children put away the construction toys into the box, and other children put games into their box ready for the next child to play. n Staff greet parents warmly and chat to update them while their children get their belongings. Parents are very happy with the care their children receive at the club. They state that the communication is good and the staff are nurturing and kind. n Staff communicate well with the school's teaching and pastoral staff to ensure they pass on any relevant information to parents and to support children's well- being. n The children feel safe, secure and confident enough to speak to visitors. They share that they like playing with their friends at the club. n Staff understand their safeguarding roles and responsibilities. They know the risks to children and the procedures to follow in the event of any concerns about

p.2

need to do better?

a child's welfare or the actions of an adult. n All staff have access to professional development, and all have up-to-date certificates for paediatric first aid, safeguarding and food hygiene. They access other courses online as needed.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY546439 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10399065 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 32 Number of children on roll 33 Name of registered person Jousters Childcare Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07873 165503 Date of previous inspection 19 November 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Jousters At St Mary's registered in 2017. The club employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 and the provider holds an early years qualification at level 3. The club opens from Monday to Friday, during term time. Sessions are from 3.15pm until 6pm.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector observed activities and the quality of staff's interactions with the children. n The inspectors spoke to staff and leaders at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they like to do at the club. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation including the suitability of staff working with children. n The manager held a meeting with the inspector. n Parents shared their views of the club with the inspector.

p.4

Inspection activities

19 June 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

19 June 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6