YMCA Essex @ Great Waltham

Inspection of YMCA Essex @ Great Waltham Great Waltham C Of E School, South Street, Great Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 1DF

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children are happy and excited to attend the after-school club. They are collected from their classrooms by caring staff, who know the children well and are genuinely pleased to see them. Staff gently remind children to collect their personal belongings and discuss their day at school. The club is small and children receive lots of support and attention. The hall is set up ready for their arrival and staff provide children with fun and exciting activities. They take time getting to know the children and provide activities that will capture their interest. As a result, all children are settled, confident and fully integrated at the club. There is a cosy space, where children can sit comfortably and relax if they feel tired after a day at school.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

While activities are set up ready for children's arrival, there is an abundance of good-quality resources that they can independently access or request. Children also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For example, they participate in games of football and play hide and seek. Children have formed close and trusting bonds with the staff, who speak respectfully to them. They are good role models and have high expectations for the children, who play well together, and demonstrate good manners.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children arrive keen and eager to explore the activities on offer. They are familiar with the environment, staff and routines and demonstrate they feel safe and secure. They store their personal belongings and enjoy a healthy snack on arrival. Staff engage them in conversations and they confidently talk about their day at school. They spend time using dough and talk about the models they make. They show sustained concentration as they use creative materials to draw rainbows, and enjoy the praise they receive for their efforts. n Young children still in the early years are well supported. While all staff are caring and attentive, a system is in place for those children, where a member of staff ensures they are settled, happy and fully engaged. Priority is given to ensure all children's emotional well-being is supported. Staff are calm and kind. They are good role models. Children are positively supported to express how

p.2

need to do better?

they feel and regulate their emotions. Overall, children's behaviour is good. n Children enthusiastically prepare ready for tea. They know to wash their hands before eating. They confidently request sauces they would like to accompany their meal. Mealtime is regarded as a social event and children sit with their friends, chatting as they prepare their own wraps, choosing from a selection of healthy fillings. n Outdoor play is popular and enjoyed by all. Children have use of the school

p.2

need to do better?

6 March 2025 playground and field and enjoy the freedom and fresh air as they run around and play games with their friends. Children invite staff into their games who are skilful in their interactions with the children. n Positive working relationships with the host school have been established. Conversations take place daily with teachers when children are collected. School newsletters, menus and conversation around the school curriculum are also shared to ensure continuity of care and provide continued support of children interests. n Parents speak positively about all aspects of the club and were happy to talk with the inspector. They comment that they feel fully informed as to what their children do at the club as communication is good. Parents say their children are happy to attend and they are grateful for the caring and friendly staff and support their children receive. n The provider ensures the management team are well supported and offers

p.2

need to do better?

further support to the small team of staff. Staff speak positively of their role and responsibilities and the encouragement they receive. They say their own welfare is also fully considered and they feel valued and that their skills are recognised. Staff comment that they are positively encouraged to enhance and strengthen their knowledge further, through training opportunities.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2713922 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10376172 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 20 Number of children on roll 15 Name of registered person YMCA Essex (Trading) Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07307861096 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

YMCA Essex @ Great Waltham registered in 2022. The club is open Monday to Friday, from 3.15pm until 6pm, during term time. The club employs two members of staff.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The club manager showed the inspector around the club and explained how the play environment is organised. n The inspector had discussions with the manager to explore leadership and management issues. n The inspector spoke to the children and staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of the provider's documentation, including policies and procedures and training certificates. n Parents told the inspector what they thought about the provision and staff, and their views were considered.

p.4

Inspection activities

6 March 2025 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.4

Inspection activities

6 March 2025 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