Jam After School Club The Rodings

Inspection of Jam After School Club The Rodings Rodings Primary School, Dunmow Road, Leaden Roding, Dunmow CM6 1PZ

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive at the club calmly and are greeted warmly by staff. Teachers escort younger children to the club, where they are signed in and handed over to the club team, ensuring any important information is shared through this process. Staff provide a wide range of engaging activities. Children are supported to make choices and access resources independently, promoting their creativity and curiosity. For example, children take pride in creative activities, using brushes, pine cones and other tools to produce artwork. Staff respond positively, offering praise and ensuring creations are stored safely while drying. In the role-play area, children immerse themselves in a hot chocolate café, setting up and serving drinks to peers and actively inviting staff and visitors to join their play.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff promote positive behaviour through a clear, consistent approach. Children contribute to the club rules, which emphasise being kind, safe, respectful, and having fun. This helps children behave well, play harmoniously and demonstrate respect for peers and staff. Staff act as positive role models, providing calm, nurturing interactions. Children receive 'JAM points' for positive behaviour, which can be exchanged for rewards. Staff provide a calm area for children to relax and self-regulate. The space is equipped with cosy sofas, allowing children to sit with friends, engage in quiet conversations and play card games.

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need to do better?

n Staff implement an effective key-person system for younger children at the club. They complete observations to monitor children's adjustment when they first start and identify next steps. Staff share this information with parents and Reception teachers. Staff work collaboratively with teachers, attending termly meetings, to ensure continuity and link activities to the school curriculum to support learning. A buddy system supports younger children, fostering peer relationships and leadership opportunities for older children. n Children access a broad range of well-planned activities that meet their interests and developmental needs. Staff provide activity tables for drawing and colouring, and provide malleable materials, such as play dough. Leaders ensure a wide range of resources are available and rotated regularly, enabling children to make independent choices. Activities are linked to monthly themes, school topics and

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need to do better?

national events, with arts and crafts used to explore these topics. n Staff work effectively as a team and are well supported by leaders. They benefit from regular supervision and are encouraged to complete relevant qualifications to support their professional development. Training is sharply focused on the needs of the children. For example, staff receive bespoke training from a diabetes nurse to support children with diabetes.

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need to do better?

18 September 2025 n Children make full use of the outdoor space, developing their physical skills through climbing equipment, monkey bars and outdoor gym apparatus. Staff are deployed well and supervise children effectively, supporting safe play while encouraging physical confidence and coordination. n Parents speak highly of the club and value the high-quality care their children receive. They report that staff build strong, trusting relationships with children and are consistently helpful. Staff communicate regularly via email and provide a detailed handover at collection. Parents have access to key policies and information on noticeboards. n Children are familiar with the club's routines and follow good hygiene practices before meals. Mealtimes are well organised, with staff providing a buffet-style selection of healthy foods, including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Staff mirror school meal routines to help early years children understand expectations

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need to do better?

and become confident in the process. All children are closely supervised while eating, ensuring their safety and well-being. n Children develop an understanding of cultural diversity through planned activities and celebrations. Leaders ensure that cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year and Diwali, are recognised, alongside fun national events, such as 'National Mario Day'. Each child's birthday is celebrated, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion. n Leaders actively evaluate the setting and take account of the views of children and parents. Annual parent surveys inform improvements, such as the introduction of a stay-and-play session for families who requested shorter sessions. Staff seek children's input regularly, ensuring that children's voices contribute to the planning of activities and the development of the setting.

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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 EY548358 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10407424 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 32 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Jam Childcare Solutions Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07725736539 Date of previous inspection 8 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

Jam After School Club The Rodings registered in 2017 and operates from Rodings Primary School in Dunmow. The club employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate qualifications at level 3 and above. The club opens from Monday to Friday, during term time only. Sessions are from 7.30am until 8.15am and from 3.15pm until 6pm.

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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.

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Inspection activities

18 September 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.

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Inspection activities

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

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