CHIPS Bishops Stortford Playschemes

Inspection of CHIPS Bishops Stortford Playschemes Avanti Meadows Primary School, Farnham Road, Bishop's Stortford CM23 1FQ

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This provision meets requirements

Children's individual needs are met exceptionally well at the club. They are happy, settled and separate confidently from their parents and carers at the start of the day. For those who find this transition more challenging, staff work sensitively and effectively, using a range of tailored strategies to ensure children feel secure and ready to engage. Staff build trusting relationships with the children they care for at the club. For those receiving one-to-one support, staff demonstrate a dedicated and consistent commitment to ensuring their time at the club is positive, engaging and enjoyable.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff interactions with children are consistently kind, considerate and caring. They show a secure knowledge of each child's unique needs and adapt their practice accordingly. Staff provide a range of activities that reflect children's interests and promote positive engagement. Children enjoy a range of sensory play opportunities, including sand and coloured pasta. Books are readily available, enabling children to choose freely between reading independently or sharing a story with staff. Children enjoy mark making on whiteboards and learn how to create shapes, such as circles and squares.

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need to do better?

n Staff know the children well. They understand any triggers that may unsettle children and how best to avoid them. Staff use a range of strategies to support children in managing their feelings. A dedicated sensory room, featuring soft lighting and calming music, is effectively used for supporting children's emotional regulation. This helps children to behave well and get the most out of their experience at the club. n The club offers a wide range of opportunities for children to build on their physical development. The outdoor area is well resourced with climbing equipment, trikes and a sandpit, supporting children's large muscle development and encouraging active play. Staff supervise children closely, skilfully assessing each child's ability and providing the appropriate level of support they need. n Early years children are consistently well supported at the club. They are closely monitored through ongoing observations, and activities are thoughtfully planned

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need to do better?

to reflect their individual learning needs and interests. This targeted approach ensures that children remain engaged and enjoy their time at the club. n Staff demonstrate a strong understanding of different communication methods, using visual cues and adapting their approach to meet the needs of non-verbal children. They take time to understand each child's unique communication style and ensure that every child is listened to and given a voice, enabling them to participate fully in club life.

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need to do better?

12 August 2025 n The club enriches children's experiences through visits from external providers, such as animal handling sessions and music workshops. They organise community trips during the holidays to places such as the zoo and the theatre. These opportunities help children to develop confidence, broaden their experiences and engage with the wider community. n Staff work closely with external professionals, such as occupational therapists and behavioural specialists. Meetings are held with professionals, staff and families to share strategies and ensure a holistic approach to meeting children's needs. n Communication between staff is strong, with leaders maintaining a clear overview of the club and ensuring that staff are well supported. Staff are given tailored support through supervision and mentoring. They attend relevant training to develop their skills. Staff also receive specialist training, such as

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need to do better?

therapeutic thinking, manual handling and bespoke medical training to meet individual children's needs where required. Staff report feeling well supported by leaders and express enjoyment in their roles. n Partnerships with parents are strong, with newsletters, social media and emails keeping families informed about events and key updates. Parents value staff's efforts to understand each child and their family context, including support strategies. Leaders regularly seek feedback through surveys, ensuring parents can share their views and contribute to the club's development.

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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 2734791 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10399016 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 12 Number of children on roll 22

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Name of registered person

Children's Integrated Playschemes Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 01992804952 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

CHIPS Bishops Stortford Playschemes registered in May 2023. The club is based in Avanti Meadows Primary School and employs a team of 22 childcare staff. Of these, two hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The club opens for three weeks in the summer holidays from Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 9.30am until 3.30pm, with an additional club provided on a Saturday during term time from 10am until 12.30pm. The playscheme specialises in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and their siblings.

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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. n The inspector carried out a number of observations and assessed the quality of the children's experiences at the club.

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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

12 August 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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