Hampstead Community Centre

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff create a warm, inviting and welcoming atmosphere at the club. Children's emotional well-being is a priority for the kind and gentle staff.

Providing an inclusive environment is at the heart of the club. Staff are particularly skilled at supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. All children are encouraged to take part in the activities offered by staff.

Children speak confidently about how happy and excited they are to spend time at the club. They attend the club from different schools and form strong bonds and friendships with each other. Children behave exceptionally well and understan...d the high expectations staff have of them.

Staff keep children safe. They have clear procedures in place as they accompany children from their schools to the club. Children understand how to keep themselves safe and well.

For example, they independently wash their hands when they arrive and before they eat. They talk about their favourite healthy foods, fruit and vegetables. Staff support physical activity.

They encourage ball games and children have opportunities to dance, chase bubbles and move in different ways. Children help decorate the walls with their pictures and displays. They proudly talk about their art and gain a sense of pride in their achievements.

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

Children choose from a wide variety of books, toys and resources. There is a soft, quiet area for children who like to sit and relax or read after school. Children settle quickly when they arrive at the club.

They chat and laugh together as they talk about their days at school. Staff listen carefully to children as they share their experiences. Boys and girls play happily together as they use building blocks and build a zoo.

They listen to each other's ideas and develop social skills that will support them in later life.Partnerships with parents are very strong. Parents praise the club and say that the manager and staff are exceptionally supportive of them and their children.

In particular, they value the time staff take to get to know their children. They highlight the support they receive, which they say is tailored to the individual needs of children. The manager understands how to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

She works closely with other agencies and organisations to provide help and advice to families who may need additional assistance.The manager constantly reflects on the service she provides for children and families. She uses this to enhance, for instance, the partnerships she has developed with the headteachers from the local schools.

Staff and the manager hold regular meetings and share information and ideas for planning. Staff say they benefit from regular training and guidance. However, the manager acknowledges she could enhance one-to-one meetings even further, particularly for newer members of staff.

Older children help and support younger ones. They include them in their games and activities. Children demonstrate they feel secure and looked after by staff.

For example, they turn to staff for help if they need comfort or support. Staff gently and carefully help children learn about how their behaviour impacts on other children. They are excellent role models for the children in their care.

Children develop independence skills. They hang up their own coats and bags when they arrive at the club. Children clear away their plates after snack and help staff to tidy up after activities and at the end of the club.

They build on the skills they learn at school. For instance, they practise using scissors and create pictures using small beads. Children strengthen their fingers and develop their coordination.

They are supported in enhancing the skills they will need in their future learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff understand their duty to keep children safe.

They can recognise the signs that may cause them concern about the welfare of a child in their care. They know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns. Staff are clear on the procedures they need to follow if they have concerns about the behaviour of other professionals, colleagues or leaders.

The manager has robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. She carries out relevant checks. Staff carry out checks to ensure the premises are safe and remove any hazards they identify.