Yew Tree Primary School

Bandley Hill Playcentre Featherstone Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 9PP

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Inspection date 10 April 2019 Previous inspection date 17 May 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Not Applicable

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This provision is good

n The manager and staff are enthusiastic and caring. They have an excellent understanding of the community they serve and how they can support those who use the centre. It is resourced with age-appropriate toys and equipment. Children of all ages enjoy their time there. n There is a very strong focus on safeguarding, and this is shared throughout the staff's practice. They implement policies, procedures and routines to help keep children safe. For example, they make regular risk assessments of the premises, and work together to effectively supervise the children. n Children take part in interesting topics, which help to broaden their experiences. For example, some children researched the story of a local schoolgirl suffragette. From this, they devised, produced and delivered a short film. This was linked to the relevance today, of what it means to young people to have equality and aspirations for the future.

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This provision is good

n Staff support children in the acquisition and development of new skills. For example, a qualified football coach teaches them how to warm up, and other skills such as heading the ball. They thoroughly enjoy the penalty shoot-outs he organises in the superb outdoor area. They learn to cooperate, understand rules and develop good coordination. n Parents are warmly welcomed at the centre by the friendly and approachable manager and staff. Parents spoken to during the inspection were highly complimentary about the staff team. They appreciate the support and attention staff provide to their family, and say that the centre offers an invaluable service. n Systems to monitor all staff, including temporary staff, are not sharply focused to continually raise the quality of their practice.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n strengthen systems for the monitoring of staff performance to identify any gaps in their knowledge and raise the quality of their practice to the highest level.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector spoke to parents, staff and children during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed children's activities indoors and outdoors. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as the setting's safeguarding procedures and evidence of the suitability of staff working at the centre.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

The centre manager is highly qualified and experienced in working with children on open-access playschemes. She is supported very well by the caring and committed staff team. The manager regularly evaluates the quality of the care and activities provided to children. The views of children, parents and staff are highly valued and used effectively to help implement ongoing improvements to the centre. Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a very good understanding of the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. They undertake regular training, which supports their knowledge and understanding of wider safeguarding issues. The centre is clean, safe and secure. The play equipment is suitable for children of differing ages and is maintained in good condition. There is a robust recruitment and induction process for all staff. Records and documentation are in place to help provide an organised and safe environment for

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children enjoy their time at the centre and show they are very happy and relaxed. Staff are well qualified and experienced, and clearly enjoy being with the children. They work very well together as a team, and deploy themselves effectively to meet children's individual needs. Children talk enthusiastically about the things they enjoy doing at the club, such as baking, playing games outside and making new friends. They say that the staff are kind and help them when they need it. Children and staff interact well throughout the session. There is a calm yet busy atmosphere, with children taking part in activities, such as making bird feeders and insect hotels. Staff build on the skills children are learning in school. For example, children apply their mathematical skills as they buy their snacks from the tuck shop. Younger children play imaginatively in the role-play area. Staff provide appropriate levels of support. They are skilful in recognising

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

when children require help. They also understand when children need time to persevere and complete challenges for themselves.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff greet children warmly when they arrive. Children join their friends and quickly choose what they want to do. Staff find out about children's individual needs, likes and interests when they start. They build positive relationships with children to help them to have a sense of belonging. The open-access ethos supports children's choice to freely attend the play centre, be part of the decision-making and take ownership for their actions. Staff have high expectations of children and use positive strategies to promote good behaviour. They are good role models and help children to learn respect for each other. Children of all ages play together cooperatively. Staff provide children with healthy food options during breakfast and snack times. Children also learn about healthy eating through the cooking sessions arranged for them. Staff teach children effectively to keep themselves safe and to be aware of risks. For example, they work with the local school

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Setting details

Unique reference number 146456 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10063668 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care Age range of children 5 - 14 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 579 Name of registered person Stevenage Borough Council

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 17 May 2016 Telephone number 01438 218848

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reference number

Bandley Hill Playcentre registered in 1993 and is located in Stevenage. It is run by Stevenage Borough Council and employs five permanent members of childcare staff and additional casual staff. Three permanent staff hold appropriate early years qualifications, at level 3 and above. The manager holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 6. During term time, after-school sessions are from 3.30pm until 6pm, from Tuesday to Friday. Saturday sessions are from 10am until 12.30pm and from 1.30pm until 4pm. During school holidays, sessions are Monday to Friday, from 9am until 12.30pm and from 1.30pm until 5pm.

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This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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