YMCA Essex @ Larkrise Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children happily leave their classrooms with the staff member who collects them. They chat with each other and staff as they move from classroom to classroom, collecting all the children. When they arrive at the club, children place their belongings in the designated area before eagerly making their way to the snack table to enjoy some fresh fruit.

Children have strong relationships with staff and peers. When upset, children seek out staff for reassurance and support. Younger children are supported by older children who show them how to complete activities and where the toilets are.

Children behave well and know what is ex...pected of them. Staff support children to understand how to keep themselves safe. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the club.

They engage in play activities that have been provided based on their interests and what they have been learning about in school. Children chat confidently about the activities they are doing. They are keen to show off their play dough creations and self-portrait collages to each other and visitors.

Children's voices are valued. Staff provide them with opportunities to feed their ideas into the planning and suggest activity ideas to the staff during the session. Children are given choices and the daily routine is adapted accordingly.

For example, children decide they would like to continue to play indoors instead of going outside so are given extra time inside before going outdoors.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

Staff provide a welcoming and exciting environment for children. They know the children well and provide activities relating to their needs and interests.

This ensures children are eager to take part and have high levels of engagement. Staff support children's play well. They engage with children and join in their activities.

They use their interactions to build on children's previous knowledge and experiences.Children participate in physical activity outdoors. They independently arrange a game of football and efficiently decide on teams and rules, negotiating with each other when required.

They call to other children to invite them into their game. Some children decide to play badminton. They persevere in trying to hit the shuttlecock.

They are encouraged to keep trying and their achievements are celebrated by staff when they succeed.Children enjoy the healthy meals and snacks provided. They have snack when they arrive as staff recognise children are often hungry when they finish school.

They make their own wraps for tea, discussing what fillings they are going to choose and why. Children sit together and staff use this time to encourage children to talk about their day at school and what they might do when they get home.Staff are fully aware of their responsibilities regarding keeping children safe.

They ensure the indoor and outdoor areas are safe and secure before the children access them. Staff assess risks continually and act accordingly throughout the session. They encourage children to risk assess their own play where appropriate.

Children demonstrate they know how to carry scissors correctly and the reasons why they carry them in that way. Robust procedures are in place for the collection of children. Staff are aware of the procedures if a child has an accident or requires medication.

Medical supplies are always to hand.Staff are reflective and strive to make improvements to the club to benefit children. They have recently moved into a larger hall and have spent time reflecting on the layout of activities to ensure the best outcomes for children.

Partnerships with the school and parents are strong. Information is gathered about children's interests and development levels. Staff speak to the teachers when they collect children from classrooms so they have information about the children's time at school and any additional support they may need to provide.

The parents are complimentary about staff and are pleased with how settled and happy children are at the club.The provider supports staff and managers well. Good systems are in place to support staff well-being.

Staff are provided with a range of training opportunities and have regular meetings with the provider to discuss all aspects of the provision. Staff are encouraged to pursue any areas of interest they have, and training opportunities are sought relating to these.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have a secure knowledge of safeguarding and know the referral process to follow if they have concerns about a child's welfare. They regularly update their safeguarding knowledge through training. Staff have an awareness about wider safeguarding issues, such as extremist views and county lines.

The provider is aware of the risks that children may come across on the internet. The provider has robust recruitment processes in place to ensure all new staff are thoroughly vetted. New staff receive an in-depth induction, which includes familiarising themselves with the company's relevant procedures.

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