YMCA After School Club @ Chase Lane Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive at the club, buzzing with excitement.

All children are happy, eager to play and clearly knows the routine. They listen very well and respond politely to staff and each other. The children are given opportunities to share any news they have with the group, which listens attentively.

They make choices about what they want to play and independently select from a range of resources. They enjoy group activities with their friends. Staff know the children extremely well and support their individual needs effectively.

The interactions between staff and children are wonderful to see. All children are truly... valued. Staff engage in meaningful conversations and listen intently to children as they speak with confidence and excitement.

Children engage in an excellent range of activities that capture their interests. They concentrate very well on tasks. For example, children spend time carefully creating different structures with construction toys, while some younger children complete floor puzzles.

Children behave extremely well and are kind, caring and considerate. They mix well together. Older children invite younger children into their games and help them to join in.

Children have so much fun that they are reluctant to go home when the time comes.

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

The manager explains that she involves parents, children and staff in the club's evaluation. She uses this feedback to make changes to enhance the experiences offered to children.

For example, she has introduced giving children a choice of two things they can choose from for snack each day. However, the lighting outside in the play area needs to be improved to allow children time outdoors, particularly in the colder months when it gets dark earlier.Staff benefit from regular support.

They say how well supported they feel and that their well-being is always considered. Staff complete mandatory training in line with requirements and there is strong focus on staff performance management. This helps identify where staff can develop their knowledge and skills further, to enhance their practice.

Partnerships with the school and parents are strong. Communication is key and there is a regular exchange of information between the club, parents and school. Parents' comments are overwhelmingly positive.

They are extremely happy with the provision offered and say that 'the club is second to none in regard to the care and play experiences they offer' and that 'every child's individual needs are always thoughtfully met'. They share detailed information when children first start, to help them to settle quickly.Staff act as positive role models.

They involve children in making the club rules and all children fully understand expectations and boundaries. Children are very polite and well mannered. They play fairly and happily with their friends.

All children show great respect to their friends, staff and visitors.All staff help children to build on their understanding of the world around them. They plan creative activities and talk to children freely about celebrations, festivals and differences in people and communities beyond their own.

Children show that they feel safe and secure, and they confidently talk to staff if they have any worries or concerns.Children build strong relationships with staff, who takes the time to get to know them well. Key staff observe children and plan activities that capture their interests.

Staff use their observations to monitor children's well-being. The manager liaises with school staff as needed, to ensure that there is a consistent approach to supporting children and meeting their individual needs. Staff allow time to children who need to do their homework.

The experiences that children receive in the club truly complement and help to build on and consolidate the learning that takes place in school.Children are provided with healthy snacks. They show a good understanding of managing their self-care and demonstrate good hygiene practices.

They independently use the toilet and wash their hands before sitting and eating.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There are meticulous procedures in place to ensure the effective organisation of this very busy club.

All staff ensure that children are kept safe. The premises are secure and there are rigorous collection procedures to ensure that no children are able to leave the premises unsupervised. All staff have a suitable understanding of the procedures to follow if they are concerned about a child's welfare.

They attend regular training and are alert to the possible signs of abuse. The manager monitors attendance and ensures records are well maintained. They supervise children and help them understand how to keep safe online.

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