ZigZag Out Of School Clubs (Horsham)

Inspection of ZigZag Out Of School Clubs (Horsham) Hills Farm Lane, HORSHAM, West Sussex RH12 1TZ

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive happy and enthusiastic to begin their session at this after-school club. They confidently put away their belongings, wash their hands and line up to choose their snacks, which have been freshly prepared by staff before children's arrival. Staff sit with children as they tuck into their sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetable sticks. This is a social time, where staff listen with a genuine interest as children talk about how their days have been and share stories of personal significance.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff ensure there are a wide variety of experiences and resources on offer to suit children's individual interests, as well as considering the various ages of children attending. As such, all children delve into a range of activities, such as building dens, small-world exploration and imaginative play. Children engage well during their time at the club both indoors and outdoors.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff are positive role models to children. They facilitate play with others and give gentle reminders of boundaries and why these are important to keep safe. Messages children receive are consistent, which supports their understanding of behavioural expectations. As a result, children are kind and considerate to one another, inviting friends of varying ages to join their play. They listen and respond well to staff, creating a calm environment where mutual respect is achieved.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have worked tirelessly to make the necessary improvement since the last visit. The oversight and governance of the after-school club has greatly improved. This has had a positive impact on many aspects of the club. Consequently, processes are in place to ensure the premises are safe and secure and that staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to promote the best outcomes for children. n All staff have completed safeguarding training. Leaders support them to ensure they understand what they have learned. As such, all staff have a secure knowledge of internal and external reporting procedures should they have a child welfare concern or a concern about a colleague. Staff understand the importance of timely referrals to local safeguarding partnerships. This helps to keep children safe. n Leaders have effective and regular supervision arrangements for staff in place. This ensures that staff understand their roles and responsibilities, and any

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need to do better?

training needs can be swiftly identified and responded to. The staff team report they are happy in their roles, which reflects in their friendly interactions with the children.

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need to do better?

16 September 2025 n There are robust recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure the suitability of staff who have access to children and their families. Accurate records are maintained to demonstrate this to those who may require to see them. n Leaders have put processes in place to ensure the premises are safe, secure and fit for purpose. This includes effective risk assessment, as well as processes to ensure their fire safety procedures can be followed in an emergency. n All staff know the children well, including those who have recently started attending the club. They have effective partnerships with parents to ensure they obtain important information to get to know children quickly and meet their individual needs. They also work in partnership with the school and share appropriate information. As a result, children demonstrate secure and trusting bonds with staff. n Children are supported to be independent at the club. They confidently self-

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need to do better?

select activities and games they enjoy. Children are focused on activities, such as making bracelets. Staff support them to keep trying even when this provides challenge. This supports children's growing resilience and sense of pride when they achieve. n Parents are highly complimentary of the club. They comment positively on the range of activities that are on offer and report their children look forward to attending. Parents report they are kept well-informed and any important information is regularly and promptly shared. Parents feel staff and leaders are approachable and value the consistency in staff who they get to know very well.

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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 EY562628 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10415187 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 44 Number of children on roll 79 Name of registered person ZigZag Childcare Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07850509701 Date of previous inspection 15 September 2021

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Information about this early years setting

ZigZag Out of School Clubs (Horsham) registered in 2018. It is located in a former scout hut in Horsham, West Sussex. The club is open from 3.15pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The club has seven members of staff.

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Inspection activities

n The nominated individual showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe, secure and suitable. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the club. n The inspector discussed safeguarding with the nominated individual and staff. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection and took into account their views. n The inspector spoke to children during the inspection to find out their views on the club. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children both indoors and outdoors. n Parents shared their views of the club with the inspector. n The inspector reviewed relevant documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff working in 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

16 September 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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