Picnics After School Club (Malcolm Arnold)

Inspection of Picnics After School Club (Malcolm Arnold) Malcolm arnold preparatory school, Trinity avenue, Northampton NN2 6JW

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This provision does not meet requirements

Staff do not have a secure knowledge of the policies and procedures to follow when reporting safeguarding concerns. The management team are not familiar with some of the new requirements of the 'statutory framework for the early years foundation stage'. This has resulted in breaches of the statutory requirements, which may compromise children's safety. For example, staff are not vigilant at assessing when children could be at risk, such as when children walk around while eating.

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This provision does not meet requirements

Staff do not consistently manage children's behaviour well. For example, they fail to explain to children the consequences of their actions when children run indoors. At times, children do not listen to instructions given by staff. That said, children enjoy their time at the club, overall. They are excited to see the staff and greet them with a smile and hug. Children are familiar with the routine and are confident to independently access both the inside and outside areas. Children enjoy being with each other. They play chase and ball games. Older children help younger children at the painting table by moving the paints closer to them so they can reach them. Children participate in the activities that staff provide for them to some extent. Young children enjoy running round the outside play area and ride on the scooters and bikes. Children say they enjoy meeting up with their friends they do not always

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need to do better?

n Managers have not ensured that staff have a clear understanding of the safeguarding policy and procedures in the club. Staff are unsure about the procedure to follow outside of the club if they have a concern about a child's welfare. In addition, staff are not aware of what to do if they have concerns about another staff's practice. This does not ensure children's safety. n Staff attend mandatory safeguarding training. However, managers have not implemented an effective monitoring system to understand staff's knowledge of safeguarding. Although staff are able to talk about some of the signs of abuse, they are not secure in understanding other areas of safeguarding, such as the 'Prevent' duty. As a result, staff are unable to fulfil their roles in ensuring children are fully protected. n Managers have not provided staff with the support they need to understand when children may be at risk of harm. Staff are not able to identify when

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need to do better?

children may be at risk of choking. For example, staff do not intervene as children walk around with food in their mouths. n Generally, children behave well. However, staff are not consistent in helping children to understand the behaviour expectations of the club. For example, as

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need to do better?

24 September 2025 young children play, they hide under a large stack of chairs. Staff do not explain to children why that behaviour is unacceptable and to help them to understand the consequence of their actions. This does not support all children to learn how to behave appropriately. n Staff carry out daily safety checks of the environment and ensure resources are well maintained. During the session, staff position themselves carefully, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure they can oversee children at all times. They communicate with each other using a walkie-talkie system to ensure they know where children are. However, at times, staff do not identify hazards during the session. For example, painting aprons are left lying on the floor after children have finished wearing them. This is not actively identified and addressed by staff, and children slip on them as they line up to collect their tea. As a result,

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need to do better?

children's safety is compromised. n Staff encourage children to be independent. Children make choices about their play and are confident to ask for what they want and need. For example, children discuss with staff about how they are making a 'rainbow' fish using the beads. n Managers share information with parents through an online app. Parents are kept up to date on what their children have been doing at the club. Managers also use this online app to report on accidents and update parents on the club's policies and procedures. n Managers have strong links with the school where the club is based. Teachers walk the younger children to the club and pass on information to the club's staff about how they have been during the day. This helps the continuity of care for the young children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Due date

ensure that staff have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding policy and procedures, in particular the reporting procedures to follow for allegations and concerns about a child's welfare beyond the club 31/10/2025

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Due date

24 September 2025 ensure staff identify and address risks that could affect children's safety, with regard to eating 31/10/2025

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Due date

make sure risk assessments are thoroughly completed to minimise and remove all risks to children's safety 31/10/2025

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Due date

embed suitable supervision arrangements to further support staff to understand their roles and responsibilities 31/10/2025

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Due date

ensure staff use effective behaviour management strategies to help children learn how to behave appropriately. 31/10/2025

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2752123 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10365233 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 35 Number of children on roll 100 Name of registered person Hull, Tracey Lorraine

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reference number

Telephone number 07980749424 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Picnics After School Club (Malcolm Arnold) is based in Malcom Arnold Preparatory School, Northampton. It provides before- and after-school care for pupils who attend the school. The club employs five members of childcare staff. Three staff hold appropriate early years qualifications, and two are unqualified. The club opens from Monday to Friday during school terms. Sessions are from 7am until 9am and from 3.15pm until 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector discussed safeguarding with the club manager and staff. n The club manager and the inspector observed an activity and held discussions about this after. n The inspector spoke with children during the inspection. n The inspector held a meeting with the club manager. She looked at relevant documentation and evidence of 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

24 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

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