YMCA Play Club

Inspection of YMCA Play Club Kings Cross Academy, 4 Wollstonecraft Street, London N1C 4BT

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This provision meets requirements

Staff warmly welcome children as they arrive at the club from their classrooms. Children know the routine well and put their belongings in the designated area. They settle quickly at their chosen activities and enjoy playing with their peers. Staff know the children well, engage them in conversations and plan activities that support their interests. For example, children demonstrate their skills as they build with small bricks and show their artistic talents through drawing. Staff initiate fun games outside that build on children's thinking and increase their social skills.

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This provision meets requirements

Overall, children behave well. They understand there are rules in place and listen well to adults. Staff role model positive behaviour and show children respect. Older and younger children play well together and share resources. Staff provide gentle reminders when needed and support children to resolve any conflict, follow the rules and learn to take turns.

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This provision meets requirements

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. Leaders from the club and school have strong partnerships and share strategies and updates to provide a consistent approach for all children. This helps children to feel settled and secure at the club and enables staff to provide a supportive approach to meet their individual needs.

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need to do better?

n The leaders and staff provide a wide range of activities and utilise the space well. They encourage children to make choices and to be independent. Staff supervise children well and are deployed across the space to ensure children's safety is maintained. The strong partnership working with the school ensures messages are shared and children's well-being is fully supported. n The club has a strong focus on promoting healthy lifestyles. Staff plan a range of outdoor play activities to support children's physical skills and mental well-being. Children enjoy playing football, using the apparatus to develop their balance and coordination and learn to skip. The club provides a choice of fruit for snack. Staff remind children to drink water and the importance of staying hydrated, especially in the warm weather. n Children share their views about their after-school club with the inspector. They enjoy the club and the range of activities on offer, especially playing outside.

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need to do better?

Children have developed positive attachments with the staff, who are kind and caring. Staff listen to them, value their ideas and add these to the planning. Children say that they feel safe and would be confident to share any concerns. n Staff promote a culture of diversity and inclusion and welcome all children, including those with SEND from the host school. Staff understand when some

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need to do better?

16 June 2025 children may need additional support and can adapt activities or space to ensure all children can participate. Staff increase children's understanding of different cultures through activities. They support children to develop positive self-esteem and to learn to be kind and show respect to others. n Parents speak highly of the club and appreciate the flexible booking system to support their changing work schedules. They state that communication is good and they have regular updates through the school and the club. The staff are friendly and provide a wide range of activities that extend their children's social skills and enjoyment. n Leaders have robust recruitment procedures in place. These ensure all staff are suitable to work with children. All staff complete an induction programme, which supports them to understand their roles and responsibilities effectively. Staff enjoy their roles and feel supported by the leadership team.

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need to do better?

n Leaders are proactive in reflecting on their practice and developing plans for further improvements. Staff complete ongoing continued professional development to improve their knowledge and build confidence. New projects are in place in partnership with the school, to enrich children's literacy and mathematics through sport and to support children with transition times.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2727536 Local authority Camden Inspection number 10398287 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 40 Number of children on roll 64 Name of registered person Central Young Men's Christian Asociation

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reference number

Telephone number 02039949619 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

YMCA Play Club registered in 2023. It operates from Kings Cross Academy in the London Borough of Camden. It provides care after school from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 6pm, during term times only. The club also provides holiday provision during half terms and for four weeks in the summer, excluding Christmas and bank holidays. The club employs thirteen members of staff, six of whom hold a degree-level qualification.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and leaders viewed the areas of the school used by the club and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector observed staff interactions with children through a range of activities, inside and outside. n Children shared their views of the club with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to parents to gather their views. n The inspector spoke with staff and held a leadership and management discussion with the leaders. n The leaders shared relevant documentation, including suitability checks and qualifications, with the inspector.

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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

16 June 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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