Chelmsford YMCA Out Of School Club @ Writtle

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive excited to attend this after-school club.

The younger children are collected from classrooms by staff and supported to settle into the club. Older children make their own way from their classrooms and are welcomed by friendly, familiar staff. Children are accustomed to the routine and store their belongings safely.

They talk about their day with children of different age groups, who they may not have the chance to meet up with during the normal school day. They enjoy a healthy snack and share their news with each other and the staff, appreciating the relaxed atmosphere. After snack, children head straight t...o the activity tables, eager to see what is available that day.

There is a variety of favourite toys and resources set out by the staff. Children's likes are known by the team and so the choices are tailored to both the whole group and individual children. Children share their excitement with the adults, talking about what games they are playing.

They talk about the previous day when their friend won and how they are challenging them for a rematch. Staff join in with the excitement, fun and the light hearted competitiveness.

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

Staff involve children when planning for the club to ensure that activities meet their interests.

For example, some of the younger children particularly enjoy construction toys so this is made available. Other children are involved in the summer play and staff have left space clear, so they can rehearse their lines without distraction. Children have the opportunity to get involved in the menu planning.

They demonstrate confidence and a sense of ownership in this club, that staff actively promote.Children are keen to share their opinions with visitors. They are confident to talk about their favourite aspects of the club.

For example, they particularly like that they can play with children from other year groups. They form close friendships across the whole school.Staff enthusiastically join in with the games and play.

They praise the children for their skills, celebrating when they score a basket when practising basketball. Staff adapt the games to ensure all children across the ages can join in. Children demonstrate respect for each other, taking turns and supporting younger children.

They enjoy sharing their skills with each other.Staff support children's physical and emotional well-being successfully. They organise the club well and provide a wide range of resources to meet the ages and needs of each child.

Children particularly enjoy being outside and staff make the most of the wider school environment. Children play in the larger playground and the school field. When the weather is good, they enjoy eating in the smaller outside picnic area.

The manager works in partnership with the host school's teaching staff. There is a regular exchange of information to help complement and build on children's learning. For example, keeping children safe online.

In addition, the school teachers share relevant information with the staff that enables them to support children's well-being. For example, if a child has had a difficult day, or there are friendship issues, the staff offer gentle support to help them end their day feeling positive.The management team are effective.

They ensure all staff complete safeguarding training and the manager is successful in using different methods to check staff's understanding. Thorough recruitment procedures are in place to ensure that staff are suitable. However, the staff training plan is based on a wider organisation plan rather than being specific to this setting.

This means that training to meet children's individual needs is not currently offered to build on staff skills. Staff place a high priority on providing a secure environment for children. They diligently carry out daily procedures to minimise any risks to children's safety.

Partnerships with parents are strong and effective. Parents comment how inclusive and supportive the staff are. They say that their children's individual needs are met here.

Many parents comment on how relaxed and settled children are after a busy school day. They feel the club offers children the opportunity to have fun. They enjoy an afternoon with friends, leading to happy relaxed children on their return home.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff carry out daily checks on all areas of the club to help ensure that children are in a safe environment. This includes rechecking of gate security due to multiple users of the wider site.

Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding. They are aware of the potential risks that children across the age range may face. They are fully aware of issues, such as radicalisation, and know how to keep children safe online.

They have a sound understanding of possible indicators of abuse. Staff can identify the signs and symptoms that suggest a child's welfare may be at risk. They know the procedures to follow should they have concerns about a child's welfare.

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