Chelmsford YMCA @ Trinity Road

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are collected from the school and arrive happy and confident.

They are greeted by enthusiastic staff who treat them with respect. Staff show kindness and a genuine interest in the children's day at school. Children have established close, trusting bonds with the staff and their key person.

They have made friendships and it is delightful to see the older children helping the younger ones during activities. Children's behaviour is good. Children are familiar with the routines of the club.

They confidently choose where they want to play and energetically play outdoors enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Chi...ldren learn new skills as they patiently wait their turn at archery, supported well by staff. They sit and work together as they express their creativity by completing a large colouring activity.

Children giggle as they draw self-portraits for the club's welcome board. This helps to create a sense of belonging. Children use mirrors as they discuss their individuality.

Older children show younger children how to draw eyebrows, and lots of conversation takes place around their features.

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

Children enjoy their time at the club. They arrive happy and are keen to explore the activities provided.

Staff are attentive and have good interactions with the children. The key-person system is effective, and children are consistently supported by familiar staff. Children's emotional well-being is supported.

For example, a new cosy comfortable space is available for children to relax and look at books quietly as they unwind from the school day.The manager and his team have established positive working relationships with the host school. Information is shared by the teachers when children are collected.

The children's day at school and any concerns or issues are communicated well. Regular meetings with the teacher, headteacher and club staff ensure that key information is shared. The club also continues themes and topics to complement what children learn in class.

Children thoroughly enjoy sensory activities. They concentrate for some time using slime, stretching the mixture and making large bubbles. Children chat away together, laugh at the feeling of the mixture and giggle when the bubbles burst.

They enjoy using play dough and show sustained levels of concentration as they make models and engage the staff in their play.Staff have established friendly but professional partnerships with parents. Parents comment that they are fully informed about their children's time at the club.

They say that their children are always happy and want to attend. Parents welcome the electronic app which is available to keep in touch and share useful information regarding their child.Children enjoy a range of healthy foods for snack and tea.

They make choices for themselves as they choose their favourite fruits from a bowl. Children have great fun making 'pitta pizza' for tea and deciding what toppings they want to use. They sit and wait for their friends to finish before leaving the table, demonstrating good manners, and understand the expectations of the club.

Children can take care of their personal needs independently and know to wash their hands without prompting when visiting the bathroom.The manager is well organised, which helps to ensure the club is run efficiently. The area manager is very involved in the running of the club and routinely monitors staff practice.

Staff feel valued and comment that their own professional development is supported effectively. Training needs are discussed at supervision meetings and all staff can access an online system to complete a variety of training programmes.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff demonstrate a strong understanding of how to protect children from harm. They all complete safeguarding training. This ensures they are fully up to date with the procedures to follow should they have a concern regarding a child's welfare.

Children have a good knowledge of the possible signs and behaviours that would cause concern. This includes the wider aspects of child protection, such as county lines and domestic violence. Recruitment of staff is robust.

There are good arrangements in place for induction and ongoing suitability of staff. Children are supervised well both indoors and outdoors. The premises are routinely risk assessed to ensure children are kept safe and secure.

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