Gurney School

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Barracudas Activity Camp Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 127005 Inspection date 19/08/2009 Inspector Lisa Toole

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Setting address Walthamstow Hall, Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3UL Telephone number 0845 123 5299 Email info@barracudas.co.uk Type of setting Childcare on non-domestic premises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the setting

Barracudas Activity Camp registered in 2000 and operates from Walthamstow Hall in Sevenoaks, Kent. It is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Children have use of a hall and classrooms as base rooms along with the swimming pool, squash courts and the theatre. There are outdoor areas for children to take part in organised sports activities.

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Description of the setting

The activity camp is registered to care for 200 children from three years to under eight years. There are currently 1063 children within the early years age range on roll. Children normally attend from four and a half years of age and 16 years of age is the maximum. The setting is open for five weeks during the summer holidays, Monday to Friday, from 08.30 to 17.30 hours. Children can attend from 08.00 and stay until 18.00 hours at an additional cost.

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Description of the setting

There are 25 staff employed and of these, eight work with children who are in the early years age range.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The organisation of the holiday play scheme and the outcomes for children are very good; staff have a secure knowledge and understanding of their responsibilities and are enthusiastic about their roles in supporting the children's play and learning. Children's safety is given a very high priority; this is reflected in how well they are cared for, learning about risk taking and gaining new skills, whilst still having plenty of fun. Equality is given due consideration; children's views are sought, each child is positively included, and staff are aware of their specific care needs, preferences and fears.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that all first aid boxes/bags are suitably equipped at all times  extend the range of resources and activities available to children who choose not to participate in certain activities and for use during quiet/indoor play.

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provision

The camp's leadership and management are strong, thereby contributing to the good quality provision for children. Robust recruitment and induction procedures ensure that only suitably vetted and qualified staff work with the children; they are given thorough training about their role and responsibilities before the camp begins each summer scheme. There is a strong sense of fun throughout the camp, among both the children and adults, with a good range of activities provided for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children throughout the day. Appropriate systems are in place to ensure the environment is safe, that equipment is suitable for the children to use each day and that potential risks and hazards have been minimised through detailed risk assessments. Staff have a sound understanding of the procedures to follow regarding child protection and ensure that any accidents or incidents are clearly

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provision

recorded, with parents duly informed. There are a number of qualified first aiders on site but the first aid bags/boxes are not always kept fully stocked, for example with protective gloves, to reduce the risks of cross-infection for staff and children.

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provision

The camp monitors its provision through self-evaluation and quality assurance, to further improve the outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and beyond. There is a positive approach and commitment to continuous improvement, with clearly identified areas for development. Parents and children contribute to this evaluation through the use of questionnaires. During the day, children's ideas and wishes are also considered as they decide for themselves whether to participate in certain activities. There is a good amount of information available to parents about the camp and overall organisation. Verbal feedback is available to parents on a daily basis, with clear procedures in place to deal with any concerns they may have.

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provision

All of the required documentation is in place, is appropriately maintained and stored securely for confidentiality. There are clear policies and procedures in place, for example regarding the collection of children, through the use of blue collection cards, to ensure their welfare is safeguarded at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The camp offers children a child-friendly environment, where everyone is equally valued. Staff form good relationships with their key group children, who are organised by age into the Minnows and Starfish groups. This helps ensure that children are grouped appropriately, taking account of their age and need. There is a strong sense of enjoyment throughout the day, with plenty of laughter heard around the whole camp. Children behave well and respond positively to requests by staff, to help them learn about right and wrong. The activities are stimulating, challenging and give children worthwhile opportunities to gain new skills in all areas of learning. They are led by enthusiastic staff, who show a strong commitment to ensuring each child has a good time. Discussions with children show that swimming, the aqua slide and art and craft are the most popular activities. Children's learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

is monitored through observation and simple assessment around the early learning goals. The information is used to identify any areas for further development, which are then shared with parents at the end of the week.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a varied range of activities, along with rest periods, and are able to play in extensive school grounds. These include parachute games, clay modelling, swimming, ring games, rounders and dance and drama, with children putting on a talent show at the end of each week. The outdoor activities are well resourced but this is not consistent regarding the indoor resources available in the children's base rooms. For children who choose not to participate in a particular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activity, there is also somewhat limited provision made for them; this has an impact on how well their needs are being supported and results, at times, in children having to sit passively waiting. For example, when using the trampoline, children do so one at a time, for good safety reasons, but the remaining seven children in the group have to sit watching and waiting for their turn, without

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is given due consideration. They learn about the importance of exercise and keeping healthy. The fruit shop, available at lunch time is popular and enables children to supplement their packed lunches with additional nutritional food. Staff are aware of sun safety and encourage children to protect their skin, drink plenty of water and seek shade when necessary. If children are taken ill, staff tend to their needs in a caring manner. They are aware of children's particular dietary or health needs and these are appropriately considered as part of the camp's inclusion policy. Children have excellent opportunities to learn about their own safety because of the very high priority it is given within the camp and by the organisation overall. For example, when using the aqua slide and trampoline, children are given very clear instructions about how to move their bodies safely, whilst still taking small risks and having lots of fun.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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