North Wingfield Primary and Nursery Academy

Camp Beaumont

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Camp Beaumont

Unique Reference Number 147514 Inspection date 25 August 2006 Inspector Caren Carpenter / Liz Corr

p.1

Camp Beaumont

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

p.1

Camp Beaumont

Telephone number 0870 609000 or 7724 223

p.1

E-mail

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

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Camp Beaumont Mill Hill was registered in 1993. It is a holiday activity based camp that operates from three sites affiliated to Mill Hill School, which is located within the London borough of Barnet. The Belmont School site and Mill Hill Preparatory School may care for five to eight years. The care for three to five year olds is provided in a purpose built school nursery located in Grimsdale House. A maximum of 250 children under eight years may attend the camp at any one time. There is an enclosed outdoor play area for the school nursery site. Children on the other two sites have access to large outdoor

p.2

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 playing fields which are sectioned off for individual activities. The scheme runs during the school summer holidays. There are currently 91 children on roll, who attend for a variety of sessions. Children over eights years also attend. The emphasis is on children participating in sport, although there are other activities 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. There are 52 staff employed to work with the children including the camps director. The group is a member of the British Activities Holiday Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is supported by staff who have a secure knowledge of the camps health procedures. Children follow good personal hygiene routines helping to prevent the spread of infection and independently wash their hands after using the toilet, in preparation for lunch time and after outdoor activities. However, an area within the nursery school toilet facility may pose a health hazard to children. Children enjoy sociable lunch times as they chat to each other and staff. Children who have lunches provided by the camp are offered a selection of sandwiches and some fruits. However, the choice is limited to white bread sandwiches, crisp and chocolate snacks. As a result, children’s good health is not fully promoted. This may impact on children’s energy levels throughout the day as they participate in regular vigorous physical activities. Children are beginning to develop some awareness and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

understanding of eating healthy food such as vegetables through art activities however, this is not supported by the lunches offered to them. Children recognise when they are thirsty and generally access to drinking water is satisfactory. However, children are unable to help themselves to drinks of water immediately after participating in large group vigorous outdoor activities. Children enjoy lots of fresh air and exercise as they have fun playing outdoors. They are developing good physical skills as they participate in a wide range of games such as football, basket ball, volley ball, cricket tennis, scavenger hunt, swimming and trampoline.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Emergency evacuation is practised and assessed regularly, ensuring that the children are well aware of what to

p.3

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 do in case of emergency. Children have access to sufficient space which is well organised to allow them to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Staff are deployed so that children are well supervised during activities. However, children are not always supervised during the change over of outdoor activities. As a result, children's safety is compromised. Children have access to the necessary facilities to promote their well-being and furniture and equipment is well maintained. They have access to quality resources and equipment that is well organised for indoor and outdoor play. This means that children are keen to participate in daily activities. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. Staff have a sound knowledge and understanding of their role and responsibility in child protection

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and secure in the camps environment. They are interested and motivated to take part in the range of interesting and simulating activities available to them. Children are highly involved in a range of planned physical activities. All children of varied age groups display an exceptional enjoyment at the end of the week revue session. Younger children are well supported and encouraged as they sing songs from the Super Hero theme. Children are delighted when staff dress-up and take turns to perform, their enjoyment is enhanced as they are invited to sing and dance with the staff. This increases their feelings of belonging and security. Children enjoy participating in a range of art and craft activities, for example leaf printing, straw collage, biscuit decorating, butterfly painting and sponge printing. Children are confident, independent and content in their surroundings. Relationships

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are good and staff give children encouragement in their play. Children relate well to staff who are attentive to their needs. They enjoy talking to each other which develops close relationships. Children are happy and secure in their environment. They clearly enjoy their time at the camp for example, children spoken, said they are happy and love being at the camp.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the camp, because staff make them feel valued, respected and their individual needs are well promoted. Children are fully integrated within the camp, staff have received appropriate training to support children effectively. Children learn about the world around them through a variety of activities including flag making. Welcome signs are displayed in a large number of languages. Staff share their cultural backgrounds through discussions and activities and a world

p.4

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 map clearly displays the many countries staff originate from. Children are polite, well mannered and manage their behaviour well. Staff set and reinforce appropriate boundaries, in a sensitive manner. They provide children with appropriate support, praise and encouragement. As a result, children are developing confidence and high self-esteem. They are kind, helpful and show respect and consideration for others. Children benefit from the good relationships between staff and parents. Policies and procedures are displayed for parents on the main notice board. Good relationships with parents are maintained to ensure that children's needs are met and respected. Parents receive good information on the service provided in a well-organised and professional manner. For example, a welcome pack is available for parents which

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The camp is well led and managed by a motivated and experienced manager. Staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Daily routines are well planned and allow for flexibility. Children benefit from a consistent team of staff, who demonstrated a sound commitment to the camp. Suitable recruitment, vetting and induction procedures ensure that staff are appropriately qualified and experienced for their individual roles. Children have appropriate support and attention because management ensure that there are sufficient staff on duty and that they are suitably deployed. Detailed policies, procedures and most documentations are implemented well to promote children’s care. However, children's well-being is compromised because medication forms are not countersigned by staff when they administer medication to the children and the staffs daily attendance register does not include their departure

p.5

Organisation

times. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been good improvement. The setting was required to 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. The company's robust recruitment procedure ensure that all staff working with children are suitably vetted. As a result, children's care and welfare is promoted. The setting was required to ensure that appropriately qualified and experienced staff are deployed in order to meet the individual needs of children effectively. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are well cared for because staff are appropriately qualified and experienced to provide care according to their individual educational plans.

p.5

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 The camp was required to ensure that all staff, particularly newly appointed members are aware of the policies and procedures and know what to do in the event that an allegation of abuse is made against them or if they suspect child abuse. The setting has reviewed and has updated the child protection procedures which includes, in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against staff. Policies and procedures are on display for staff and parents. The camp director met with new appointed staff members individually and ensured that they are made aware of and become familiar with the child protection procedures. As a result, children are protected from harm and neglect, because staff have secure knowledge and understanding of the procedures to follow if they have child protection concerns. However, further

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

improvement is needed to ensure that the procedure includes for example, the role of the local authority child protection team and Ofsted. The setting was required to prevent the spread of infection and improve the cleanliness of the nursery toilets and ensure good hygiene practices are promoted with children through regular hand washing. Children are protected from infection, because staff ensure that they eat their lunches on clean tables in the dining room. Children are supervised and encouraged by staff to wash their hands with antibacterial soap gel after participating in outdoor activities, before meal times, after creative activities and after using the toilets. This is further encouraged by hand washing notices displayed in the toilet areas reminding children to wash their hands. The cleanliness in the school nursery toilets have improved, however this needs close monitoring to ensure that the floor does not pose a health and safety risk to the

p.6

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • monitor the nursery toilet facilities to ensure that it does not pose a health

p.6

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 hazard to children • promote children's good health by offering a wider choice of healthy lunches and improve access to drinking water, in particular after vigorous out door play activities • ensure that staff countersign medication forms when they administer medication to children and ensure that all staff sign out at the end of each sessions • ensure that children are well supervised at all times in particular during the change over of activities to prevent accidents

p.6

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

p.7

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

p.7