Ymca Thames Gateway St Peters After School Club

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive eager to see what activities are planned for the session. The caring staff reassure younger children of the routine and ask children if they would like a cuddle.

Children settle quickly to something that interests them. They are able to make choices and approach staff to ask for games or resources they can play and share with their friends. Activities and resources, that include crafts and board games, are arranged around the room to enable children to play in small groups.

They have space to spread out and some children just enjoy chatting to their friends on mats on the floor. Staff register children as t...hey arrive to ensure everyone is present and safe. Staff check all the children have something to do and are feeling good after their day in school.

Children behave extremely well, they are kind and helpful to each other. For example, older children help to serve the younger children at snack time. The helpers take responsibility to ensure every child has had something to eat and drink.

The club is inclusive. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Leaders use additional funding to provide extra staff to enable children to join in with the planned games and activities.

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

Children enjoy their food at the club. They are encouraged to share their views and to be independent. For example, staff ask children to contribute their ideas for snack options.

Children have access to jugs of water and choose cups and pour water for themselves. Snack time is a very social event in the club.Behaviour is very good.

Staff frequently remind children of the club rules. For example, staff ask, 'What is rule number two?' and children respond quickly saying, 'kind hands' and describing what the rule means. Children take turns and share without adult support.

They are respectful of each other and play well together in groups across all age ranges.Children's emotional well-being is supported. Staff get to know the children in their care well.

Children can choose to sit and talk with friends and staff often join in their discussions about recent events, such as family birthdays or family trips. Children are supported to express themselves, for example they make cards and draw pictures to take home for family members.Parents say how happy their children are to attend this after-school club.

Parents feel children are well cared for and safe, as any medical or dietary needs will be met by friendly staff. Parents say younger children become more confident as they are mixing with children from a range of different ages.Leaders and managers complete daily health and safety checks.

Any risks identified are swiftly dealt with through risk assessments, changes to practice and training. Maintenance and security are provided by the setting the club is based in. Planned activities are delivered to support and develop children's self-awareness of keeping themselves safe.

Leaders and managers are enthusiastic about providing a wide range of fun activities and experiences for children to enjoy while at the after-school club. The provider has made links with members of the local authority's early years team, who have provided mentoring and training for staff. For example, activities are now presented in different ways, using mats and trays on the floor, as well as tabletops, to enable children to relax after a full day in school.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment of staff has been challenging. However, the club is now fully staffed with a permanent team. Leaders use robust safe recruitment procedures, to ensure staff suitability is checked.

Staff share how ongoing training, along with opportunities for personal development, make them feel happy and supported in their work and valued within the organisation.

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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