North Wingfield Primary and Nursery Academy

Camp Beaumont

Inspection report for early years provision

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Camp Beaumont

Unique Reference Number 147514 Inspection date 02 August 2005 Inspector Kanwal Sonia Lobo

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Camp Beaumont

Setting Address Mill Hill School, The Ridgeway, London, NW7 1QS

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Camp Beaumont

Telephone number 0870 609000 or 7724 223

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E-mail

Registered person Camp Beaumont Day Camps Ltd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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E-mail

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Camp Beaumont Mill Hill has been registered since July 1993. It is a holiday activity based camp that operates from 3 sites affiliated to Mill Hill School. The Belmont School site and Mill Hill Preparatory School, cater for 5 to 8 years olds. The care for 3 -5 years olds is provided in a purpose built nursery located in

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Grimsdell House. The current registration covers all three sites. The scheme runs during the school summer holidays. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The emphasis is on children participating in sport, although there are other activities are on offer. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 08:30 until 17:30. An extended service is offered between 08:00 and 18:00. The activity instructors who facilitate sport based activities hold specialist qualifications. The group is a member of the British Activities Holiday Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children benefit from learning about interesting exercise and keeping their body physically fit at Camp Beaumont. Children enjoy a variety of physical exercise. Regular rest periods are built into the programme enabling children to develop good attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. Children are offered appropriate challenges to enhance their physical development. Overall, children’s well-being is protected as suitable records are kept for medication and accidents. Children needing medication are assured of receiving and benefiting from the correct medicine. Children get swift and appropriate help if they have an accident and they are protected from potential accidents due to staff knowledge and managers using information about accidents intelligently. Children are given a quiet place to withdraw to if they become unwell during the day. Children in the nursery are using the toilets which contain damaged lino that harbours germs and are not always

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to wash their hands before eating. As a result, children are not always protected from infections or harmful bacteria. Children do not always learn good hygiene practices in the camp as they are not encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times such as after using outdoor equipment and caring for the horses at the stables. This could lead to children becoming ill or developing infections. Children enjoy regular and healthy snacks and drinks in the nursery. However children in other parts of the setting do not enjoy this facility. Not all children have enough food and water throughout the day and are thirsty or hungry as a result. The manager has changed the way that children receive the food when a camp lunch has been ordered, however on hot days and when children feel hungrier than usual contingency plans need to be developed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children thrive in a warm, welcoming and fun environment. They are acknowledged and greeted warmly on arrival by staff who are in the main, friendly, approachable and lively. This contributes to the vibrant atmosphere and children feeling a sense of belonging and security. Children benefit from the adequately maintained premises in the camp to meet their needs. They enjoy the vast outdoor space that also accommodates shady areas. Children are able to access all areas available, explore and move freely under staff supervision as the group have sole use of the premises. Children's welfare is safeguarded by them using a range of suitable furniture, play equipment and resources that are safe and well maintained. Specialist activities have safety rules that children know and understand. Their awareness of keeping

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves safe is good as it is constantly re-iterated by staff. It is explained to children what they should do in the event of an accident. Younger children receive high levels of supervision in the nursery and respond well to staff who promote an awareness of boundaries. Children are protected from potential risks and hazards. They are able to play safely and explore their surrounding's that have been risk assessed and appropriate action is taken to minimise identified risks. They also benefit from most staff's knowledge of health and safety requirements which is covered in their training. Children are safeguarded and protected from issues relating to child protection in the nursery as staff have good knowledge and understanding of this area. New staff in the camp are not as knowledgeable and this is detailed under organisation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have fun and enjoy their experiences which are varied, exciting and challenging. Some of the activities are well planned and risk assessed. This allows children to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. Children's knowledge and understanding is extended during some specialist activities such as horse riding which is delivered by staff who have the relevant training and skills. As a result, children learn more effectively through staff who are able to offer sensitive interaction, appropriate knowledge and sufficient support. Children are interested in the broad range of activities and play opportunities in which they have as much choice as possible. Because of this for most children waiting their turn, is made easier. However, at times some children experience frustration and disappointment when they do not get the opportunity to undertake their preferred

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activity for which, they have signed up for. This comes about due to the organisation and planning not always being effective in taking account of issues such as time taken to transport children from one site to another.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Younger children are happy and content playing and participating in the activities which are age appropriate and promote their learning and development effectively. They relate to the staff well and most are confident to approach them for comfort or to express their needs. Overall, children benefit from space and resources that are organised well in order to provide a mix of active times where, they can take part in energetic play and quiet times when they can relax in a quiet area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are included, valued and made to feel good about themselves. They are encouraged to share their experiences and staff values their contributions. This helps children to feel confident, secure and feel a sense of identity with in the group. Children and staff attending the setting reflect the diverse community. Everyone is treated with equal concern regardless of their background, race, religion. This results in children interacting with other's and learning to appreciate similarities and differences. Children with special needs are welcome and positive steps are taken to help integrate them in to the main stream. They are able to participate in most activities as they are adapted. Most children are supported appropriately as the group welcome specialist help where required and rely on their expertise. Most children are well behaved and respond well to staff. They receive warm care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and attention. The use of positive language and sensitive interaction, particularly with the younger children helps them to learn and manage their own behaviour. Older children benefit from being involved in setting the 'rules'. This helps them to understand why the rules and boundaries are there. Effective strategies are in place such as encouraging children to share and negotiate and staff reinforce good behaviour and lead by example. This helps in managing a range of children's behaviour that is age appropriate and in line with their level of understanding and maturity. Consequently, children's self esteem is encouraged and positive attitudes are developed. In the main, children benefit from the partnership between staff and their parents. There is a regular exchange of information about issues relating to children's behaviour, health and well being. Some parents express satisfaction with the overall

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The registered provider remains suitably qualified to provide out of school care for young children although there are weaknesses in areas of the management. Children share good relationships with staff that have been thoroughly vetted for their

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 suitability to work with young children, however there are unvetted, unqualified staff and this has a serious impact on the children. For example an unvetted and unqualified member of staff took children on his own off the premises for an additional activity. Therefore children who require specialist help do not always benefit from care that is well informed and up to date in practice. Children with special needs such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder are cared for by staff unable to meet their individual needs effectively. Children benefit from the secure knowledge that the staff trained in specialist sports have. These members of staff share their knowledge and enjoyment of the sport with the children who take part enthusiastically. Children are well cared for by staff that

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Organisation

were employed to undertake the care issues before the scheme started. The staff are given training days before the camp starts. They cover a wide variety of issues and staff were secure in their knowledge. However late employees did not receive training and their knowledge and understanding of the child care issues was not sufficient. Children in the nursery benefit from the knowledge and understanding the nursery manager has of young children. Children are given exciting and absorbing activities that the manager has planned well for. Children’s welfare and individual needs are well met by the group who have appropriate records in place to support their understanding of each child. Records are kept confidentially maintaining the child’s privacy. Children are protected from harm as most staff have a clear understanding of the policies and procedures that the group uses in emergency situations, however all staff should have this knowledge

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Organisation

and management should develop more rigorous procedures to ensure this happens. Overall, the setting does not meet the needs of the range of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The setting has made progress since the last inspection, however, a couple of issues still remain a concern. Although half of all childcare staff do not hold a level 2 qualification in childcare, the group have received a successful inspection from the British Activity Holiday Association. This indicates the scheme has been approved and has suitably qualified staff. Consequently, families benefit as the scheme can provide a childcare service to parents which enables them to work during school holiday periods. The activity plans for wet weather have been updated to reflect and address children's individual needs and interests. This ensures staff are clear about the arrangements during wet weather and are able to successfully promote the welfare and care of children. Staff are deployed effectively, maintaining correct ratios and with a minimum of two adults so that children are managed safely during swimming

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Improvements since the last inspection

activities. Some positive steps have been taken with regards to cleanliness of the toilets. However, there remain concerns with regards to the promotion of good hygiene

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 practice particularly at meal times with children's hand washing. The registered person has agreed to address this.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection Ofsted has received two complaints on the 29 July 2005 relating to National Standard 8: Food and drink. Ofsted carried out a full inspection of the group on 2 August 2005 and as a result actions and recommendations were raised. The manager had investigated the concerns and set new procedures in place to ensure that children received their lunch on time and are provided with sufficient food and regular drinks. The complaint also included matters concerning a contractual issue with the group, however it is not within Ofsted remit to investigate contractual matters. The group had already rectified the problem before the inspection and they remain suitable to be registered.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure good hygiene practices are promoted with children through regular hand washing. • ensure that there are effective procedures in place for checking that staff who are left in sole charge of children are suitable to do so. • deploy appropriately qualified and experienced staff in order to meet the individual needs of children effectively. • make sure that all staff particularly newly appointed members are aware of the policies and procedures and know what to do in the event an allegation of abuse is made against them or if they suspect child abuse. • prevent the spread of infection and improve the cleanliness of the nursery toilets These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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