Bexhill Youth and Community Centre

Inspection of Bexhill Youth and Community Centre 10 Station Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 1RE

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children arrive at the club with excitement and enthusiasm after their busy day at school. They form close friendships with other children, some of whom are older or younger than themselves, and play very well together. Staff provide a very relaxed, cosy and homely environment where children quickly settle and choose freely from a wide range of well-planned activities.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

There are good opportunities for more energetic and older children to play active games in the sports hall. Younger children, and those who prefer quieter times, happily settle for more relaxed activities such as arts and crafts. A group of children initiate an activity making Mother's Day cards, and one child chose to make a 'get well' card for a friend who is poorly. Staff support children's independence and freedom to choose well. They play alongside children and offer relevant challenge, such as by offering to play chess or engage in imaginative games with dolls.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Generally, children behave well. Some occasional incidents of more challenging behaviour from older children do not adversely affect the younger children, and staff manage these reasonably well. Children confirm they feel safe at the setting, and they know that staff look after them and can be approached for comfort and support if needed.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff work well together as a team. They support one another well and hold a range of skills, qualifications and experience. The club runs smoothly as staff fully understand their roles and what is expected of them. n There are good links in place between club staff, parents and school staff. Information about children's welfare is shared appropriately. Parents communicate clearly with club staff and teachers about children's attendance patterns so that children's safety is always assured. n Children's health is promoted well. When children arrive at the club after school, they use hand gel before they start activities to help guard against infection. Children are supervised closely during toileting to promote good hygiene and self-care routines. n Staff support children well. They offer provision for children to practise reading or complete homework if they wish. Younger children are particularly keen to

p.2

need to do better?

share their new reading books. Staff and older children enjoy celebrating their achievements and looking through the reading books together. n Children's views and ideas are widely welcomed and respected by staff. Children play a key role in decision making and choosing which activities and resources are available. They contribute ideas about games they wish to play and visits

p.2

need to do better?

14 March 2023 they would like to make during holiday club. Staff respect children's ideas and respond appropriately, so that children feel listened to and valued. n Leaders have high expectations of children and staff. They monitor practice closely and lead by example. Regular training is provided for staff to update their knowledge and skills. However, following training, leaders do not always check thoroughly how much staff have understood in the training and made sure they are confident in discussing new ideas and ways of working. n Occasionally, on the walk back from school, staff are not always deployed effectively. Some children are known to be more challenging to manage at times and do not set a good example to the younger children. Staff do their best to manage these situations. But it does mean that on occasion younger children see behaviour which is not welcomed by club staff. This does not reflect the

p.2

need to do better?

positive behaviour of the rest of the group. n Staff work closely with parents to share information and provide services which meet their needs. Parents are kept fully informed about children's activities and what their children have done each day. They are particularly grateful that staff complete a later school pick up, so that some children can enjoy the school's extra-curricular clubs and activities.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have completed safeguarding training and demonstrate a secure knowledge of what to do if they have concerns about a child. There are relevant procedures in place to make sure children are kept safe. The hall is secure and unauthorised visitors are unable to gain access. All activities, visits and outings are thoroughly risk assessed and children are protected from identified hazards. For example, when children visit the local parks, woodland and beach they wear high-visibility jackets so that staff can identify them easily. Staff understand the setting's safeguarding policies and the reporting procedures are clear.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY271209 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10276590 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 45 Number of children on roll 281 Name of registered person Bexhill Youth and Community Association

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01424 215455 Date of previous inspection 24 July 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Bexhill Youth and Community Centre is also known locally as 'The Base'. It registered in 2004 and operates from premises in the centre of Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. The breakfast club operates from 7.30am to 8.30am, Monday to Friday, in school terms only, for children who attend St Peter and St Paul's Primary School in Bexhill-on-Sea. The after-school club operates from 3.15pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, in school terms only, for children who attend St Peter and St Paul's Primary and Chantry Community Primary School. The holiday club operates from 8am to 5.55pm, Monday to Friday, in all school holidays including part of the Christmas break. Staff hold a range of early years and playwork qualifications.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual and checked that all staff had been suitably checked and cleared to work with children. n Children told the inspector what they enjoyed doing at the club. n The inspector accompanied staff at school pick-up time and observed the walk back to the club's premises to assess how well children are kept safe. n Staff spoke to the inspector about the club's policies and procedures, and the training they complete to update their knowledge and skills. n Some records were checked, such as confirmation of staff training, first-aid certificates and safeguarding policies.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

14 March 2023 regulates and inspects to 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6