Fun Fest St Albans Abbey

Inspection of Fun Fest St Albans Abbey St Adrian's Catholic Primary School, Watling View, St. Albans AL1 2PB

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This provision meets requirements

Children remain engaged throughout their time at this energetic holiday club. They have access to a variety of stimulating, age-appropriate resources, both indoors and in the extensive outdoor area. Leaders create a good balance of structured activities as well as opportunities for free play that meet the needs and interests of all children. When children arrive, they join their friends in the 'settling-in' area, where they enjoy construction activities, exploring books and creating figures out of modelling dough. Once everyone has arrived, children are eager to get started on the planned activities, such as sports competitions, slime making and other messy craft activities.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff encourage children to display their arts and craft creations in the setting for all to see. This supports children to develop a sense of pride in their efforts and achievements. Children attending the holiday club participate in daily reward ceremonies, where they receive certificates to recognise their efforts in activities as well as their good conduct.

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This provision meets requirements

Children generally behave well. They are observed helping their friends, passing equipment and displaying good manners. Staff are swift to intervene when they identify behaviour falling below the expected level with age-appropriate strategies being consistently used. For example, staff discuss with children why their actions are inappropriate and the impact this has on other's feelings.

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need to do better?

n Leaders provide a robust programme of training for staff to access online or face to face. Regular appraisals and supervision meetings mean that leaders can identify additional training needs swiftly, access courses and monitor staff progress. Induction processes mean that staff are equipped with the required knowledge and skills prior to starting. Ongoing support and mentoring means staff feel confident in their new roles. n The youngest children attending are supported by named staff, who have a robust understanding of their unique circumstances. These staff provide support throughout sessions and are responsible for sharing children's experiences at the club with parents on collection. n Feedback from parents is positive about the support staff give children, specifically those with medical needs. Parents comment on how they feel their children are safely looked after by staff, who take the time to get to know their

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need to do better?

children's unique issues. They discuss how the flexible booking process and care offered meets the needs of their family. n Leaders consider the different interests of children well when planning their play

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need to do better?

30 July 2025 environment. Children enjoy a wealth of play experiences while at the club. For example, children create masterpieces and enjoy cookery competitions. Outdoors, they take part in dodgeball matches and archery competitions. On occasion, however, some group sessions could be better managed with staff demonstrating a more flexible approach that considers the different ages and changing interests of children involved. n Children's safety is paramount. Daily risk assessments are carried out on all areas of the club and any safety concerns are addressed swiftly by the on-site maintenance team. Any accidents or injuries are documented by staff and monitored closely by leaders to identify potential safety issues in the environment or health issues in children. n Mealtimes are sociable occasions, where children chat enthusiastically with their friends. Staff are well deployed to support children's safety and behaviour while

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need to do better?

eating. They confidently discuss the processes that they have in place around the management of allergens. For example, they share information with parents about the foods that may be included in packed lunches and consider the ingredients that they use in activities. n Staff are vigilant and monitor children's play closely. All staff have access to radios to always monitor their and children's whereabouts. They are very aware of changes in children's behaviours and moods and swift to intervene and offer additional emotional support where appropriate. For example, when staff recognise children playing alone, they create games for them to join and offer to spend time reading with them.

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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 2741834 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10317594 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 48 Number of children on roll 22 Name of registered person London Holiday Camps Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07767877198 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Fun Fest St Albans Abbey registered in 2023. The setting operates from St Adrian's Catholic Primary School in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The club runs during school holidays from Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. The club employs five members of play staff, two of whom hold level 6 qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector tracked the experiences of several children during their time at the holiday club. n The inspector and provider took a tour of the environment. They discussed how the club is organised and the play opportunities provided for children. n The inspector considered the views of parents by speaking to several during the inspection. 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

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

30 July 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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