CHIPS-Hoddesdon Scheme

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happily and quickly part from their parents and carers. Staff welcome them warmly and support them to settle into their play. They show enjoyment as they explore the many activities on offer, such as Christmas crafts and a range of toys.

Leaders consider the children's ideas and interests when planning activities and provide experiences that excite and engage children. Children show strong bonds with the staff who care for them during the session. For children who have one-to-one support, staff show unwavering commitment to making their time at the scheme enjoyable.

Children show lots of curiosity and inter...est in the activities. For example, they are intrigued as they scrape away black foil to reveal bright colours on their scratch-art decorations. Staff engage enthusiastically in children's play.

They work together to decorate Christmas biscuits, dripping on icing and adding sweet decorations. Staff play hide and seek with children and encourage them to have fun and provoke laughter. As a result, children are relaxed and thoroughly enjoy their time at the scheme.

Older children enjoy the companionship that staff offer through conversation and warm interactions.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

Staff organise the environment to provide plenty of choice. Children take part in a range of craft activities such as colouring and collage pictures.

They enjoy making cubes from connecting rods and watching marbles make their way through tubes.Leaders place a strong focus on promoting children's confidence, well-being and independence. Children make choices about the activities they take part in and staff encourage them to have a go and try their best.

Staff offer high praise when children complete activities, such as colouring a Christmas decoration and making 'reindeer' food.Children develop friendships with peers and adults. The scheme offers children an environment where they can develop a positive sense of identity and socialise in a safe and secure space.

Their uniqueness is celebrated and valued. Secure attachments and trust with supportive adults helps children to develop a sense of belonging at the scheme.Outdoors, children can access the school grounds, including the woods and fields.

Leaders organise visits for children that give them broader experiences, such as using public transport. For example, children use the train to visit the Olympic Park and visit the local wildlife park.Staff engage in meaningful conversation with children.

They chat about their experiences and the activities they are taking part in. Children enjoy listening to stories with staff and join in with a range of songs. Staff support non-verbal children by providing rich language input.

They engage in imaginative play with children by providing a narrative, such as describing how a stick has become a 'wand'.Staff know the children well. They understand any triggers that children have and how best to avoid these.

Staff support children to manage their feelings and emotions. They use their deep knowledge of children to provide an environment that supports their interests and ideas. As a result, children behave well and experience fun and enjoyment at the scheme.

Children with less concentration are supported by staff to engage in activities, even if for a brief time. Staff stay close by as children explore, and are ready to engage with children as the opportunities present themselves. They recognise when children are showing more attention and concentration, and how to sustain their interest.

Partnerships with parents are good. Parents are happy with the communication they receive from the team. They feel their children are safe and happy and welcome the respite the scheme offers them.

Leaders have a clear vision about what they want to provide for the children who attend the scheme. They regularly evaluate the provision to ensure they are delivering the best service to children and their families.Staff receive regular supervision from leaders.

This provides opportunities for staff to discuss their well-being and any training and professional development needs they have.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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