Super Camps at The Croft Preparatory School

Super Camps At The Croft Preparatory School Inspection report for early years provision

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EY353270 Unique Reference Number 03 August 2007 Inspection date Anne Felicity Taylor Inspector

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Croft School, Alveston Hill, Alveston, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, Warwickshire, CV37 7RL

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Setting Address

01235 832 222 Telephone number info@supercamps.co.uk E-mail Super Camps Ltd Registered person Childcare Type of inspection Out of School care Type of care

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Setting Address

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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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?

Super Camps at The Croft Preparatory School is one of 44 camps run by Super Camps Limited. It opened in 2007 and is situated in the area of Alveston close to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire. The scheme operates from the pre-prep room, prep room, sports barn, theatre barn, art room, design and technology rooms, gym, swimming pool and associated facilities. The setting is registered for a maximum of 80 children from four years to under eight years. Children up to 13 years are accepted within these numbers. The setting is open Monday to Friday 8:00 to 18:00 during five weeks of the summer holidays. The structured timetable of activities runs from 09:00 to 16:30. All children have use of the extensive school grounds, swimming pool, sports fields and playgrounds for outdoor activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

An average of over 60 children attend each day. Children generally come from the local area and many of them attend The Croft School. The setting is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is also able to support children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The scheme employs five full time members of staff. Two are qualified teachers and three are working towards qualifications at degree level. Staff hold additional appropriate training,

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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 qualifications and skills including lifeguard, sports and drama. Additional staff are available to cover sickness and an increase in numbers of children attending.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from access to the extensive school grounds, sports fields and playgrounds. They are able to enjoy lots of outdoor activities, for example, older children relish a competitive tug of war contest. Younger children warm up for a game of dodgeball by running and jumping in the 'bean game'. They are challenged and have lots of fun using the aqua slide. An indoor sports hall is used for handball team games and provides valuable opportunities for physical play when the weather is bad. Children are able to take part in week long academies which provide coaching in specific sports, for example, tennis, football and swimming. They have regular opportunities to use the indoor swimming pool. Children appreciate the active involvement of staff in games and sport.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health within the setting is supported successfully as staff monitor and encourage children in effective personal hygiene routines, for example, hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. Children develop independence and an awareness of keeping clean and healthy. Staff with current first aid training are always on site and, therefore, if children have an accident or become ill they are cared for well. A fully-stocked first aid box is easily available. Emergency contact details are in place for each child and parents give permission for emergency medical treatment as they sign their child in at the beginning of each day. Effective procedures are in place for the administration of medication, therefore, ensuring parents are fully informed about their child's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Water and squash is readily available and staff remind the children to have a drink, particularly when the weather is hot and they have been doing sports. Children bring their own snacks and lunch and posters remind parents to use an ice pack to ensure food is kept cool. Suggestions about the contents of a healthy lunch box are displayed and the children begin to understand the importance of keeping themselves healthy as they discuss what they are eating with staff. Children's dietary needs are always met as procedures ensure that all staff are clear about a child's individual needs. When children have had access to their lunch boxes the area is not always checked by staff and sometimes boxes are left open and food debris is around, compromising food hygiene and health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy access to a wide range of appropriate high quality play and sports equipment. All equipment is safety checked as it is used. Children are comfortable organising their own play with friends, for example, developing circus skills. Staff are generally deployed well, ensuring children are supervised during all activities. Younger children using toilet facilities in the swimming pool area unaccompanied compromises safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The school offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space for the holiday scheme. This includes indoor sports facilities. Therefore children are busy and well occupied during a typical day. The policies and procedures that are in place generally ensure the safety of the children, for example, arrival and departure procedures. Registers for each group of children are completed after each

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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 activity. The staff team consider safety to be a priority and risk assessments are completed, amended and updated when necessary, for example, for more complex activities. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through regular discussion at the beginning of each day, which includes fire safety and the rules. They become familiar with emergency procedures as they practise the fire drill. Fire safety equipment is in place and checked regularly. Visitors are monitored and sign in and out ensuring accurate records of who is in the building should an emergency arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as senior staff have a good understanding of child protection policies and procedures and are able to recognise abuse and neglect. Clear procedures are in place should professional abuse be suspected. Staff complete child protection training as part of their induction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children feel valued and welcome at Super Camp as they are all greeted individually when they arrive. They are relaxed and happy in the welcoming environment and settle down quickly, chatting to friends, listening to music and using the play equipment set out for them. Children are confident and have good relationships with staff. They listen carefully at register time, before structured activities start, and are eager to hear what their group will be doing. They are excited as they anticipate using the aqua slide or completing an art activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a wide range of resources which spark the children's interest and keep them busy, for example, swimming and a tug of war competition. Older children attending specialist academies benefit from activities which use their imagination and creative skills well, for example, art and drama. They enjoy creating pictures, drawing and using a wide variety of collage material. Clay models and art work are displayed with pride.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The daily timetable is varied and interesting, offering all the children a good mix of outdoor, sporting and creative activities. The timetable is rotated to ensure that part time children do not miss any activity. They cooperate well as they play handball games in teams, with older children encouraging younger ones. They are offered appropriate, interesting activities because staff take responsibility for planning, communicate well and respond flexibly to the requests of the children, effectively ensuring the children's well-being and enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop respectful relationships with staff and friends as staff offer gentle reminders for children to be considerate and to use good manners. Staff are good role models for the children. Children's confidence and self-esteem increases in the busy environment, as they enjoy activities and talk to staff, voicing their opinions and choices. Children are effectively encouraged in all the activities and are justly proud of a lot of their work. They develop a positive attitude towards the needs of others as the scheme supports a children's charity abroad. Children are full of glee and enthusiasm as they bring a weekly donation, which entitles them to throw wet sponges at a member of staff, invariably the leader.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued as individuals and the policies and procedures in place ensure that all children are included in available activities and all their needs are met, for example, special educational needs, dietary or medical requirements. All projects and activities are adapted well

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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 for the differing abilities and ages of the children attending. Children are developing a good understanding of the needs of others as they are praised for sharing and showing consideration to less able and younger friends. The setting has rules in place for the children which are reinforced daily at registration time. Children behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Relationships are strong and friendly and parents appreciate the flexible service offered by the scheme. Many parents are familiar with the school and some of the staff, increasing their confidence in the setting. Parents discuss all aspects of the care offered with staff and the daily events and their child's achievements. Good information is provided to parents through initial information and admission forms and on notice boards.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment because the registered person uses clear appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures. A suitable person leads the setting and ratios are maintained. Additional staff are available to cover sickness and absence. Staff communicate effectively amongst themselves and with parents, ensuring that the promotion of the children's health, safety and enjoyment is a priority.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the diverse skills offered by the staff team, including arts, sports and swimming. Children enjoy the activities organised by sports and dance specialists and the active participation of all staff. Staff are dedicated to the well-being of the children and organise play and sports areas well. All staff complete a comprehensive induction programme and a set up day at the specific location.

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Organisation

All staff and parents have easy access to all policies and procedures, which generally work in practice ensuring children's safety, enjoyment and achievements. The original registration certificate should be displayed to inform visitors and parents. Parents are asked to provide all the relevant information to ensure the service meets their needs, for example, days and times required for booking ahead. Overall children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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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Complaints 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

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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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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 food safety and hygiene with regard to the storage of lunch boxes after children have had access to them • ensure the safety of younger children with regard to them always being accompanied when there may be a hazard • display the original registration certificate.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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