Pied Piper Dulwich Prep

Inspection of Pied Piper Dulwich Prep Dulwich Preparatory School, Coursehorn, Golford Road, Cranbrook TN17 3NP

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This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at camp. The sound of children's laughter and excited voices fills the air. Children form exceptionally positive relationships with the staff who look after them. They develop a strong sense of belonging as they talk proudly about the group they belong to, and who their special friends are. Children have excellent opportunities to learn new skills, try different activities and form a wider circle of friends. They talk passionately about the things they enjoy most at camp, with many describing swimming as their favourite activity.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave exceptionally well and listen carefully to safety briefings and group instructions. They confidently explain they must be able to always see a member of staff in a yellow uniform. They know this means if they can 'see yellow' they are safe and under the close supervision of staff.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are continually engaged in fun, challenging and age-appropriate activities. Every child is welcomed and fully integrated into the camp's routine. Each child's unique qualities are actively celebrated. Children of all ages have plenty of opportunities to mix at a safe distance, despite the restrictions imposed by COVID- 19 (coronavirus). Each morning, all groups of children and staff excitedly take part in the welcome session led by the camp leader. This is an exceptionally engaging start to the day. Children and staff take part in motivating group games and fun dance routines, which set the children up well for the exciting day ahead.

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need to do better?

n Leaders have exceptionally high standards and a clear vision for delivering the highest quality provision. Meticulous planning, both prior to the camp, and during camp weeks, means activities run smoothly, children are extremely well cared for, and staff know exactly what they are doing. n The company's strapline: 'Creating wonderful childhood memories', underpins all activities and the camp ethos. Staff work tirelessly to make sure children continually have fun, are extremely safe and gain confidence to try new things. There is a buzz of activity throughout the camp and excellent interactions between children and staff. n Many of the staff are teachers and contribute great skills and expertise. They manage the groups of children extremely well and successfully create a fun, yet disciplined environment. Children know exactly what to do and fully understand the behaviour expectations staff sensitively remind them about. This results in a

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need to do better?

fun, relaxed and happy camp environment. n Staff successfully adapt the camp timetable to take account of every child's age and ability. For example, the youngest children thoroughly enjoyed an

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need to do better?

5 August 2021 imaginative walk in the woods with staff, recreating the story of 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. The children squealed with delight as staff narrated the story. Children excitedly joined in with the relevant actions and learned new vocabulary as they walked through long grass and splashed through muddy puddles. n Leaders recruit staff of the highest calibre. There are rigorous recruitment procedures in place to make sure staff are suitable and have the right experience in working with children. A comprehensive induction programme means all staff know exactly how to implement all company policies and procedures. n The activity timetable for each group is planned for with precision. Staff know exactly how to keep children engaged. They plan activity sessions with meticulous detail to make sure children stay focused, have fun, and enjoy what they are doing. For example, if an activity finishes unexpectedly early, staff are

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need to do better?

equipped with several alternative games to quickly re-direct children's interest and attention. n The leadership team works constantly to develop the camp and make constant improvements. They reflect accurately on what has gone well and listen to the views of children, staff and parents. n Leaders have worked exceptionally hard this year to deliver the company ethos, while still adhering to public health information in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Many minor changes have been made but staff have reviewed these carefully and some adaptations will continue. Leaders recognise these bring improvements to how well the camp is run. For example, all group leaders carry basic first-aid equipment and are equipped with the right documentation to immediately record accidents and incidents, rather than waiting to record these centrally.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety is given the highest priority. All staff are vigilant in checking for any indicators that a child may be at risk of harm. They complete extensive safeguarding training and confirm they know how to report any concerns. Leaders and staff frequently check the site for hazards. There are extensive risk assessments and emergency arrangements in place to keep children continually safe. Children learn about safety as part of camp activities. For example, they know how to stay safe when using the inflatables and recognise that numbers are restricted at times to avoid accidents.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY548088 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10130539 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

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inspection

Total number of places 133 Number of children on roll 133 Name of registered person Pied Piper Activities Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07949410210 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Pied Piper Dulwich Prep registered in 2017. It operates from the Dulwich Prep Cranbrook School site, in Cranbrook, Kent. It provides school holiday provision during summer holidays. Sessions run from 9.15am to 4pm, although extended day provision is available each day from 8.30am to 5.45pm. A team of 18 staff work with the children, many of whom are qualified teachers.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with leaders and has taken this into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector walked around the school site with members of the leadership team and viewed all areas used by children. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing at camp. n The leadership team explained the company's ethos and how they continually reflect on provision to make ongoing improvements. n The inspector checked some records and documentation, including confirmation of staff training and suitability checks, accident and incident records, the complaints process and the records of children.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

5 August 2021 regulates and inspects to 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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