Chelmsford YMCA Out Of School Club @ Writtle

Inspection of Chelmsford YMCA Out Of School Club @ Writtle Writtle Junior School, Margaretting Road, Writtle, Essex CM1 3HG

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive excited to attend this after-school club. The younger children are collected from classrooms by staff and supported to settle into the club. Older children make their own way from their classrooms and are welcomed by friendly, familiar staff. Children are accustomed to the routine and store their belongings safely. They talk about their day with children of different age groups, who they may not have the chance to meet up with during the normal school day. They enjoy a healthy snack and share their news with each other and the staff, appreciating the relaxed atmosphere.

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This provision meets requirements

After snack, children head straight to the activity tables, eager to see what is available that day. There is a variety of favourite toys and resources set out by the staff. Children's likes are known by the team and so the choices are tailored to both the whole group and individual children. Children share their excitement with the adults, talking about what games they are playing. They talk about the previous day when their friend won and how they are challenging them for a rematch. Staff join in with the excitement, fun and the light hearted competitiveness.

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need to do better?

n Staff involve children when planning for the club to ensure that activities meet their interests. For example, some of the younger children particularly enjoy construction toys so this is made available. Other children are involved in the summer play and staff have left space clear, so they can rehearse their lines without distraction. Children have the opportunity to get involved in the menu planning. They demonstrate confidence and a sense of ownership in this club, that staff actively promote. n Children are keen to share their opinions with visitors. They are confident to talk about their favourite aspects of the club. For example, they particularly like that they can play with children from other year groups. They form close friendships across the whole school. n Staff enthusiastically join in with the games and play. They praise the children for their skills, celebrating when they score a basket when practising basketball.

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need to do better?

Staff adapt the games to ensure all children across the ages can join in. Children demonstrate respect for each other, taking turns and supporting younger children. They enjoy sharing their skills with each other. n Staff support children's physical and emotional well-being successfully. They organise the club well and provide a wide range of resources to meet the ages and needs of each child. Children particularly enjoy being outside and staff make the most of the wider school environment. Children play in the larger playground and the school field. When the weather is good, they enjoy eating in the smaller

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need to do better?

18 May 2023 outside picnic area. n The manager works in partnership with the host school's teaching staff. There is a regular exchange of information to help complement and build on children's learning. For example, keeping children safe online. In addition, the school teachers share relevant information with the staff that enables them to support children's well-being. For example, if a child has had a difficult day, or there are friendship issues, the staff offer gentle support to help them end their day feeling positive. n The management team are effective. They ensure all staff complete safeguarding training and the manager is successful in using different methods to check staff's understanding. Thorough recruitment procedures are in place to ensure that staff are suitable. However, the staff training plan is based on a wider organisation plan rather than being specific to this setting. This means

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need to do better?

that training to meet children's individual needs is not currently offered to build on staff skills. Staff place a high priority on providing a secure environment for children. They diligently carry out daily procedures to minimise any risks to children's safety. n Partnerships with parents are strong and effective. Parents comment how inclusive and supportive the staff are. They say that their children's individual needs are met here. Many parents comment on how relaxed and settled children are after a busy school day. They feel the club offers children the opportunity to have fun. They enjoy an afternoon with friends, leading to happy relaxed children on their return home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff carry out daily checks on all areas of the club to help ensure that children are in a safe environment. This includes rechecking of gate security due to multiple users of the wider site. Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding. They are aware of the potential risks that children across the age range may face. They are fully aware of issues, such as radicalisation, and know how to keep children safe online. They have a sound understanding of possible indicators of abuse. Staff can identify the signs and symptoms that suggest a child's welfare may be at risk. They know the procedures to follow should they have concerns about a child's welfare.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY381435 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10285400 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

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inspection

Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 38 Name of registered person YMCA Essex (Trading) Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01245 355677 Date of previous inspection 5 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Chelmsford YMCA Out Of School Club @ Writtle registered in 2008. It is situated at Writtle Junior School in Writtle, Essex. The club employs three members of childcare staff. The club opens Monday to Friday, during school term time. Sessions are from 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm.

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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 the evaluation of the setting. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector spoke with the manager, staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector looked at the relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working at the club. n Children shared their views with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to parents and viewed testimonials from parents sharing their views of the setting.

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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.

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Inspection activities

18 May 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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

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