The Croft (Hertford) Ltd

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff build positive and warm relationships with the children in the relaxing and welcoming environment. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club.

They hold lively conversations with each other as they play. Children have opportunities to express themselves and be creative. They complete craft activities of their choosing.

Children draw and colour in their own pictures. They create their own books and read them to their friends and younger siblings. When making woollen pom-poms, staff teach children new skills.

They give clear instruction about how to hold, cut and tie the wool. Staff encourage children to... complete tasks, only helping when they are struggling.Staff help children practise valuable social skills.

When playing board games, staff role model turn taking and calmly encourage children to listen to each other. Staff speak positively to children, and help them to learn how to cope with set backs and to persevere. For example, they say 'unlucky' when and encouraging children to try again.

Children behave well and seek staff out when they have a question or a request. Equally, staff monitor and are tuned into the needs of the children, particularly the youngest children. When children become quiet and solitary, staff gently ask them what they need and make suggestions to help children understand their own needs at the end of a tiring day at school.

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

The leader of the club and her team provide children with a range of interesting experiences for them to choose how they want to spend their free time before and after school. They get to know the children well and, as a result, activities reflect children's interests.The leader helps staff to develop their knowledge and skills.

She discusses with them, informally, how they can better their interactions with the children and ensures they complete all mandatory training. However, the leader does not always provide regular opportunities for staff to embed newly learned knowledge and skills.There is a positive and professional relationship with other adults involved in each child's life.

Communication is clear and puts children at the centre. When children have additional needs, staff work together to meet children's individual needs. This partnership between teachers and staff fosters children's well-being.

Staff prepare a balanced meal that includes healthy vegetables and fruit. They remind children to wash hands before eating, promoting the good hygiene practices. This helps support the good health of children.

Parents are very pleased with the service provided. They feel confident that all communication is managed effectively. They report that their children are very happy and talk about how they cannot wait to come to the club.

Staff help children to solve problems during play. For example, they test out ways to connect pieces of a marble run. When playing board games, they encourage children to figure out the amount of change required when paying the banker.

Children can relax when they need to in the comforting area. They curl up and choose a film that soothes them. Staff support children to consider other's needs.

Children wait patiently for their turn and this helps develop empathy for their peers.

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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