Camden Square Playcentre

Inspection of Camden Square Playcentre Murray Street, London NW1 9RE

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This provision meets requirements

There is a strong sense of community and the setting provides a service to meet a wide range of local needs. Staff demonstrate a commitment to working well together in order to make children feel happy and welcome. They strive to promote equal opportunities so that no child feels left out. Children go on trips to venues, such as the cinema, swimming and ice skating. Children demonstrate that they feel safe. They look forward to seeing each other and making new friends.

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This provision meets requirements

There are inviting indoor and outdoor spaces so that children can be creative. For example, staff work with a theatre company which encourages children to make puppets in preparation for the Camden carnival. Children enjoy playing team sports, and they take risks as they use outdoor climbing equipment. Children are courteous and friendly towards each other. They like to volunteer to help with tasks during lunchtime routines. Children take turns to ring a bell to tidy up, distribute wipes and monitor bins.

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need to do better?

n The setting strives to give children a range of experiences, to meet the needs of children and families from disadvantaged backgrounds. The manager works well with the local authority to support a smooth transition for children into the play centre. There is a strong ethos of respect so that children learn how to live in a diverse community. n Staff are nurturing and provide lots of opportunities for children to develop their confidence. For example, there is a games pitch and children are encouraged to participate in outdoor activities, such as dodgeball, skateboarding, roller skating and riding bikes. Children show confidence as they skilfully climb the train bridge on the outdoor equipment. They are proud as they manoeuvre across the bridge and call out, 'Look at me!' n Children learn about art exhibitions and create portraits of themselves. Staff promote 'singing time', which is a weekly drop-in session for parents and

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need to do better?

children. This helps children to develop their speech and language skills. n There are good links with other professionals to help children learn about nature through initiatives, including forest schools. There are spaces in the outdoor area to learn about planting and growing. Children are curious to explore the garden for nettle leaves. n During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff encouraged children to make a rainbow display to talk about their feelings. Staff have regular discussions with children about sensitive topics, such as race and inequalities. This helps children to learn to value similarities and differences in society. n Parents are happy with the setting. They say that staff are very inclusive, caring

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need to do better?

31 May 2022 and know how to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff value the feedback and opinions of children, and work together to decide how best to use the space. For example, the manager uses a polling system in order to help children decide on whether to build a fish pond. There are systems in place to gather feedback from parents. However, on occasion, this feedback is not acted upon so that changes are made to the play centre effectively.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The premises are safe and secure so that unauthorised visitors are unable to access the building. There are regular playground inspections and risk assessments to minimise any hazards in the environment. The manager has a robust vetting and recruitment procedure in place to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children. Staff attend regular training and they can follow the setting's safeguarding and child protection procedures. Children wear equipment, such as wristbands and tee shirts with logos, so they can be easily identified when they go on trips.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2550373 Local authority Camden Inspection number 10215718 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

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inspection

Total number of places 70 Number of children on roll 67 Name of registered person Play Adventures & Community Enrichment

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reference number

Telephone number 02071835120 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Camden Square Playcentre registered in 2019. It is located in the London Borough of Camden. The centre operates from 3.30pm to 6pm during term time and from 8am to 6pm during school holidays. Thirteen staff work directly with the children. Of these, eight have appropriate early years qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager gave the inspector a tour of the club and explained what activities are on offer for children. n Children talked to the inspector throughout the inspection and she took account of their views. n The inspector met and spoke with parents and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke to staff and held a meeting with the provider. She looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of staff working at the premises. n The inspector observed activities, indoors and outdoors, and the interactions between staff and 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

31 May 2022 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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