Barracudas (Croydon)

Barracudas

Inspection report for early years provision

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Barracudas

Unique Reference Number EY331030 Inspection date 31 July 2006 Inspector Lisa-Marie Jones

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Barracudas

Setting Address Trinity School, Shirley Park, CROYDON, CR9 7AT

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Barracudas

Telephone number 01480 497533 E-mail joanne@barracudas.co.uk Registered person Young World Leisure Group Limited Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Out of School care

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Barracudas

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Barracudas Activity Day Camp is one of 28 provisions run by Young World Leisure Group Ltd. It opened 2006 and operates from Trinity School. The school is situated in a residential area in Shirley, which, is within the London borough of Croydon. A maximum of 200 children, aged from four to under eight years, may attend the facility at any one time. The Day Camp is open Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 18.00 during school Easter and summer holidays. Children have access to extensive outdoor facilities including tennis courts, astro turf pitches and playing fields. Children have access to classrooms, which are used as base rooms. Other facilities

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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 available are two large sports halls, indoor swimming pool and arts and crafts rooms. The numbers of children on roll fluctuates weekly and depends on the demand that is needed. Children attend who have learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities. The age group of the children varies from four years to 13 years old. There are ample staff employed for the demand of children who attend. Again this fluctuates on a weekly and some times daily basis. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications, many are qualified teachers or specialist's in activities such as swimming.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Staff take positive steps to promote the good health of children. They have opportunities to learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Staff reinforce routines with children such as washing their hands after messy play, outside play and after using the toilet, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children are further protected from the risk of cross-infection because staff ensure that they follow effective health and hygiene procedures. Children's health is protected as staff are first aid trained, should a child require first aid treatment. Some staff have specialist training for dealing with asthma and administering lifesaving medication such as Epipens and inhalers. Therefore, children with such needs are well cared for. All documentation for the recording of accidents and medicines are in place and recorded accurately. Children bring in packed lunches. Staff ensure that children are given regular snack

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Helping children to be healthy

and drink breaks in between activity sessions and have opportunities to have additional drinks from drink stations and water fountains around the building. They provide a lunchtime tuck shop that has a variety of cold juices, soft drinks, sweets and healthier snacks such as apples, crisps and yogurt coated fruit snacks. Children enjoy plenty of indoor and outdoor activities with equipment to extend their physical skills such as basket ball, tennis, cricket, basket ball, team games, fencing and swimming. For an additional cost children also have the opportunity to have intense coaching sessions from qualified coaches for football and swimming.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are safe, secure and suitable for its purpose. Staff are deployed well to keep children safe while on the premises and to minimise the risk of accidents, although, during the lunchtime period ratios are not always met. Children have ample space to play and are able to move around safely, freely and independently as effective risk assessments take place on a regular basis. Good door security systems are in place that protect children whilst on the premises, however, visitors are not

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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 always asked to sign in. Children’s welfare is given high priority and local child protection procedures, approved by the local child protection committee, are complied with, however, there is no written information regarding the notification to Ofsted if such an incident arose. Children are supervised by suitably qualified and experienced staff who have all under gone relevant vetting procedures. Children have access to a variety of appropriate resources and equipment that are well maintained and conform to safety standards. They are organised to create an accessible and stimulating environment where children can independently select activities. Staff monitor and supervise children’s choice of equipment to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met and their welfare is promoted at all times. Children are very happy and were observed to be engrossed in activities and thoroughly enjoy their time at the scheme. All the time children were seen to be smiling and laughing and enjoyed activities such as playing group games and swimming. Children are made to feel at home as they are welcomed with a good range of resources, planned activities and they know that they have complete freedom of choice. The organisation of resources and deployment of staff allows the children to make choices and promote their independence well. They can relax with quiet games or take part in more vigorous play either inside or outside. Behaviour is good and staff anticipate the children's needs very well and are always prepared for any changes to planned activities. Children have a good understanding of the rules and are able to communicate with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

staff when they are upset, if things go wrong for them or if they need help. The ethos of the scheme is for children to take part in what ever they want to do with no pressure, this is exactly what happens. Staff gently encourage the children to take part in activities and constantly praise them for their accomplishments, they treat the children with respect, therefore, children's self esteem is developing well and children are happy and content in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children do not have access to a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children of all abilities are given fully inclusive care by staff encouraging children to participate in the activities provided. This ensures children have equal opportunities to maximise their enjoyment. Staff have experience in supporting children who have

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children are helped to understand responsible behaviour. Staff reinforce appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, to help children understand right from wrong. Children are treated with respect and are given lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem. Partnership with parents is good. Parents are sent information about the camp prior to the children starting and are sent regular updates through the post. There is an information board on display in the entrance with general information about the camp and a daily white board is kept up to day with what the children have done each day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate their own play. Staff follow good policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents are kept well informed about the service and their child's activities, this contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Children are cared for by suitably qualified and well experienced staff who have an excellent understanding of child development and children's needs. Robust recruitment procedures are in place to ensure staff are vetted appropriately. The required records, policies and procedures which contribute to children's health, safety and welfare are maintained, however, the Child Protection Procedures need to be updated to ensure that they are line with national standards and the visitors book needs to be used more effectively. Policies and procedures work effectively, in

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Organisation

practice, as staff are kept up-to-date through meetings and formal supervision sessions. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted

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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 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 good. The registered person meets 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 further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that all visitors are asked to sign in and out • ensure that children have access to range of equipment and activities that promote diversity • update child protection polices and procedures to include Ofsted information • ensure that adequate ratios are met during the lunchtime period

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The quality and standards of the care

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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