Play Aloud Cowper

Inspection of Play Aloud Cowper Hertingfordbury Cowper Primary School, Birch Green, Hertford SG14 2LR

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This provision meets requirements

Children settle quickly and transition smoothly into the club. Staff greet them warmly and invite them into play, with a range of engaging activities already prepared. Children have the option of eating breakfast on arrival, where they independently serve themselves cereals and fresh fruit, which supports their self- help skills. Staff build positive relationships with children at the club. They treat all children with respect and consistently model kindness, which children replicate in their interactions with both staff and peers. Older children show care and consideration by supporting younger children. Clear rules are displayed, and staff's positive role modelling helps children understand and follow expectations.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff provide a wide variety of activities throughout the day, which supports children's interests and development. Themed daily activities have been well received by both children and parents. For example, on a themed 'Space day', children enthusiastically create rockets using cardboard boxes and tape. They explore creative techniques such as marble painting to represent planets. Staff actively play alongside children during these activities, which encourages creativity and imagination. This planning approach enables children to anticipate and look forward to specific experiences, which fosters their engagement and excitement.

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need to do better?

n Settling-in procedures are robust. Staff ensure that key information is obtained about children when they first start, including their likes, dislikes, family set up and any health needs. Families are offered a visit to the club before their child starts, to help them familiarise themselves with the environment and support a smooth transition. n Children enjoy free-flow access to outdoor play after breakfast. They make full use of the school field, climbing equipment, and personal scooters, supported by staff who engage positively in their play. Older children collaborate with staff to build a themed obstacle course, while others enjoy football and chasing games. These activities provide children with high levels of physical activity and enjoyment. n Early years children are supported, with senior staff acting as their key person. Staff ensure resources are age appropriate and share 'wow moments' with

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need to do better?

parents. This helps celebrate achievements and gives parents a meaningful reference point for discussing their child's experiences at the club. n Children are offered a nutritious snack mid-morning. Staff encourage children to serve themselves using tongs and individual bowls. n Parents speak highly of the holiday club and the quality of care provided. They value the flexibility of the provision and appreciate good communication,

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need to do better?

7 August 2025 including the recently introduced planning for each day shared in advance. Parents comment their children enjoy their time at the club, and form secure relationships with staff and peers. Parents are confident in the staff's ability to meet children's individual needs, including allergy requirements. n Relationships with the host school and pre-school are positive. Leaders meet regularly with headteachers to review the provision and share resources. Staff ensure they have regular contact with teachers in term time to share any important information regarding the children. Behaviour strategies used in school are mirrored in the club to provide a consistent, holistic approach. n Thorough recruitment procedures are in place to ensure that suitable staff are recruited. All staff receive an in-depth induction process to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities from the outset. Staff are supported

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need to do better?

with regular supervision and have access to training via an online platform. Leaders in the wider organisation provide regular support and actively implement strategies to continually raise the standards of the club. n The provider shares policies and procedures to help parents understand how the club operates. Key information is also shared, such as menus, and how to keep their children safe online.

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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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should:

n enhance methods of sharing key information with parents to promote a clear understanding of the provider's responsibilities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549374 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10399240 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 36 Number of children on roll 95 Name of registered person Play Aloud Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07535390823 Date of previous inspection 25 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Play Aloud Cowper registered in 2017, and is based in Hertingfordbury Cowper Primary School. The club is open five days a week from 7.30am until 8.45am and from 3.15pm until 6pm, during school term times. During school holidays, the club operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am until 5pm. There are eight members of staff employed at the club, of whom three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above.

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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 children 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

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

7 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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