Y Play, run by YMCA Worcestershire, based at Willow Trees Children’s Centre, was judged to be inadequate in a recent Ofsted

Y Play, run by YMCA Worcestershire, based at Willow Trees Children’s Centre, was judged to be inadequate in a recent Ofsted inspection.

Inspector Emma Daly who visited the Loxley Close club on December 14 last year criticised management for not demonstrating a "good enough" understanding of safeguarding policies.

The club, which has 32 children on its roll, was found inadequate in two areas: effectiveness of leadership and personal development, behaviour and welfare, and the quality of learning was found to be requiring improvement.

The report said management do not have a good understand of "legal requirements" therefore children’s safety and well-being are compromised.

The inspector said some documentation regarding staff's recruitment and their suitability was not available for inspection, that they do not have enough supervision meetings or "benefit regularly" from effective coaching and support.

Ms Daly also pointed out that 'key persons' have not established 'effective' ways to share information with teachers and nursery staff to further support and complement children’s care and learning.

The inspector said the school needed to improve performance of management, supervision of staff, ensuring management have the skills, knowledge and understanding to carry out their roles, ensure all staff have good understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures and demonstrate robust recruitment arrangements.

However, the inspector did say children are "happy and confident" and have many opportunities to develop physical skills and that staff build positive relationships with them.

They also said communication with parents is good and parents are "very positive" about the club.

Geoff Taylor Smith, head of delivery at YMCA Worcestershire, said: "Unfortunately, the inspector graded the setting as inadequate because staff need to improve their knowledge of safeguarding.

"However, the inspector reassured us that this does not reflect our practice, delivery or the well-being of children whilst in our care.

"We have taken immediate action to make the necessary changes including staff training and development, and we are confident that when the Ofsted inspector returns in three to six months, that with the right changes, our setting will be returned to a ‘good’ within the current Ofsted criteria."

He added that YMCA Worcestershire had written to all parents advising them of the outcome of the inspection and is working with Worcestershire County Council’s early years and childcare improvement service, who are providing advice and guidance.