Barracudas (Hertford)

Barracudas (Hertford) Haileybury, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7NU

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Inspection date 20 August 2019 Previous inspection date 19 August 2015

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Outstanding 1 Effectiveness of leadership and management Outstanding 1 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Not Applicable

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This provision is outstanding

n Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the camp and are very happy and relaxed. They choose from an exciting and varied range of activities and experiences on offer, supported by the attentive staff team. n Managers provide very strong leadership. They inspire and motivate staff through their strong commitment to ensure that all children have the highest quality care and play experiences. The early years manager shares her excellent knowledge of the early years foundation stage with the enthusiastic and well-qualified staff. Together, they extend opportunities that enable children to develop even further through play. n Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff provide clear and age-appropriate boundaries and consistently implement the behaviour management policy. n Children have excellent opportunities to learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles. They relish the choice to move between the indoor and outdoor

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This provision is outstanding

environments throughout the day. Children have plenty of opportunities to be physically active. n Highly effective systems are in place to ensure that staff are fully supported in their professional development. Staff supervision is a high priority, based on observations of their practice, self-appraisal and discussion. This attention to their ongoing development ultimately enhances the quality of coaching and support children receive. n Parents are extremely complimentary about the camp and range of activities offered. They praise highly the caring, friendly and approachable staff team and especially appreciate their child-centred approach.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n provide even more opportunities for children to play in and explore the natural environment.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n The inspector had discussions with the manager, staff and the children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took account of feedback from parents and children. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's play and learning. n The inspector looked at evidence of the qualifications and suitability of staff, and at risk assessments and policies and procedures. n The inspector reviewed reflective practice procedures and read the self-evaluation document compiled by the manager, in partnership with staff, parents and children.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is outstanding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff have a strong knowledge and demonstrate a sound understanding of their roles and responsibilities to help keep children safe. They know the signs and symptoms to look out for that may indicate abuse or neglect. This contributes to keeping children safe. Robust recruitment procedures and suitability checking of staff are in place. Staff undergo thorough induction training prior to each holiday to ensure that they are well prepared ahead of each scheme. Staff are deployed very effectively across the site and children are constantly supervised. There are rigorous and regular risk assessments to safeguard children's welfare. An exemplary evaluation of the camp's strengths and weaknesses is carried out and clear plans are identified to ensure continuous improvement. Staff, parents, children and other providers are fully involved in the evaluation of the camp.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is outstanding

Parents' feedback is highly complimentary of the care provided by the enthusiastic staff team.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

Children have access to a rich range of resources and activities, both indoors and outside. Children are keen to engage with the enthusiastic staff team. Staff provide endlessly exciting opportunities that enable children to communicate their thoughts and ideas. For example, during a scavenger hunt in the woodland area, staff ask children questions and give them the time to consider their answers and respond fully. Children enjoy their leisure time and are developing their physical, creative and social skills as they take part in sports, art and crafts, and a stimulating range of challenging, enjoyable and adventurous activities. Young children particularly enjoy developing their physical skills as they join in with foam fencing. This helps to develop their coordination. Staff energetically support children's individual needs and provide lots of praise and encouragement to celebrate their achievements.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Children show high levels of confidence and independence as they explore the stimulating environment happily and with self-assurance. Familiar key staff work with younger children and form friendly and supportive relationships with them. Staff have excellent skills and knowledge of specific sports and early years development. Children's independence is well promoted because they are encouraged to make choices and do things for themselves. Behaviour is exemplary, because the staff are positive role models and have consistent expectations. The extensive outside area allows children to enjoy physical play in the open air. Children clearly understand how to keep themselves safe and healthy in this stimulating and secure environment. They learn to make their own assessment of potential risks associated with activities such as go-karting and water play. Children learn about the need for healthy food to provide them with energy and

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

the importance of staying hydrated as they participate in activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY348643 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10112929 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care Age range of children 4 - 14 Total number of places 120 Number of children on roll 113 Name of registered person Young World Leisure Group Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 19 August 2015 Telephone number 01480 467 567

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reference number

Barracudas (Hertford) registered in 2007 and is part of a large chain of activity camps run by Young World Leisure Group Limited. The camp is open each weekday from 8am until 6pm during the summer and the Easter school holidays. The camp employs 31 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. Other staff hold a variety of sports instructor qualifications.

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reference number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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reference number

procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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