Barracudas (Chigwell)

Inspection of Barracudas (Chigwell) Chigwell School, High Road, CHIGWELL, Essex IG7 6QF

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This provision meets requirements

Children are warmly welcomed by happy, caring and enthusiastic staff. The club is extremely exciting and organised. Children arrive eager and motivated to explore the activities planned. Children are well supervised as they settle in their base rooms. Staff are kind and caring towards the children and speak respectfully and reassuringly to them. They help them organise their personal belongings. Therefore, children settle quickly. Children start their day with a group discussion. Staff remind them of the expectations and safety rules of club and the activities available throughout the day. There is a strong focus on the young children's welfare. Staff are keen to ensure they are confident and happy and that their individual needs are fully met. Children enjoy an interactive, favourite story before they start their day of fun.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are grouped into appropriate age groups. Young children have established bonds with their key staff members. Children of mixed ages play well together and have made friendships. Older children are positively encouraged to help the younger ones. All come together at lunchtime and enjoy meeting up with their siblings and older friends to discuss what they have been doing. Children's behaviour is very good. They sit comfortably and relaxed as they make Easter cards. They use a variety of creative resources. They spend time socialising and chatting with their friends as they colour and stick. They demonstrate pride in their creations and staff praise them for their achievements.

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need to do better?

n A secure online booking system enables parents to share relevant information to ensure continuity of care for the children attending. This includes dietary needs, medication and any additional support their children may require. In addition, they complete 'All About Me' flags that are displayed within the base rooms. These include details of the activities completed for the day. n Thorough risk assessments are completed for all indoor activities and the multi- sports activities provided. Staff explain the rules of the games and remind children how to stay safe. Children listen intently and show an eagerness to take part. The day is very organised and packed with a programme of activities that children choose. For example, younger children enjoy learning the skills they need ready for a game of football. Dodgeball is exceptionally popular. Children relish their time collecting items on a 'journey stick' as they participate in

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need to do better?

woodland walks. These are displayed within their base rooms along with other creations. Children's achievements are praised and celebrated. n Children's emotional well-being is fully supported. For example, staff complete welfare checks throughout the day. They remind children to drink plenty of

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need to do better?

4 April 2023 water to stay hydrated and ensure they have visited the bathroom. Children can sit comfortably and receive good interaction from the staff. They enjoy group games and singing as they relax in preparation for lunch. n Barracudas at Chigwell is one of many within the company and is run by the directors and area managers who are very 'hands on'. They are organised and professional and value their team of staff. A stringent recruitment process, induction programme, training and support ensures staff are confident in their role and are fully equipped to care for the children attending. Extra training is provided for staff for specific supporting activities, such as archery. An online training programme is available to all staff and is positively supported. Staff practice is observed and monitored regularly. n Parents say they feel reassured leaving their children at the club. They say they appreciate the information provided on the club's online app and website.

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need to do better?

Parents comment that the staff are very caring and that their children have a 'great time' and that they feel fully informed about their child's day.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety is a priority. Robust systems are in place to ensure their welfare is protected. The management team and staff demonstrate a sound knowledge of how to protect children's well-being. A stringent recruitment and vetting procedure means children are cared for by staff who are suitable to do so. Staff complete safeguarding training before they start at the club to ensure they are familiar with the policies, including the whistle-blowing policy, and the process to follow should they have a concern. The staff are aware of where to report any concerns to protect the children in their care. This includes the wider aspects of child protection, such as county lines and the 'Prevent' duty.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY441146 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10280288 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 110 Number of children on roll 131 Name of registered person Young World Leisure Group Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01480 467 567 Date of previous inspection 16 August 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Barracudas registered in 2012. The club is open from Monday to Friday, from 8am until 6pm, during Easter and summer holidays. The club employs 21 members of staff, three of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and six hold qualifications at level 6, including three with qualified teacher status.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting has 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 setting. n The area manager showed the inspector around the club and explained how the play environment is organised. n The inspector had several discussions with the area manager and the camp managers to explore leadership and management issues. The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of the provider's documentation, including policies and procedures and training certificates. n Parents told the inspector what they thought about the provision and staff, and their views were considered. n The children told the inspector about what they like to do when they are at the club.

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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

4 April 2023 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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