Barracudas Hertford Presdales

Inspection of Barracudas Hertford Presdales Presdales School, Hoe Lane, Ware SG12 9NX

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy attending this vibrant holiday setting. Children of all age groups have a base room, helping them to feel secure, comfortable and settled. Staff use many ways to get to know the children. For example, through talking with them, observing their drawings and using information from parents. Staff use this knowledge to make sure children are comfortable and have interesting play opportunities. Children persevere in this exceptionally positive environment, where staff are always available to offer support and encouragement. For instance, children work together to stack beakers. They persevere, cheering each other on and celebrating when they succeed.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Staff are excellent role models and children reflect their positive attitudes. They are excited about the activities and behave exceptionally well. For example, they readily organise fair sharing. Staff understand children's needs and plan ahead to ensure that all children are included. For example, children refer to a visual timetable and use this to help them make independent choices about the activities they would like to try. Practical routines aid children in understanding safety. For instance, children listen intently to safety instructions before participating in activities. These clear explanations, alongside robust risk assessments, mean that children safely participate in higher risk activities, such as archery and 'motorsports'. Children develop their independence skills, for example, as they dress themselves in safety suits before the motorsports activity.

p.2

need to do better?

n Managers and staff fully understand the setting's ethos of supporting every child, so that they fully enjoy their school holidays and look forward to coming back to the setting. Staff work hard to make every child feel comfortable and welcome. In turn, the management team offers staff excellent support, enabling them to enjoy their work and review and develop their practice. n The management team are conscientious in evaluating all areas of the setting's work. They seek feedback from children and parents, acting on this to continue to improve their service. They assess all activities, reviewing what went well and where further changes can be made. For example, they observe the physical location of activities and note how they could change this to improve children's experience. n Highly pertinent training and support means that staff fully understand how to present each activity and how to adapt it for individual children. This ensures

p.2

need to do better?

that every child can participate and enjoy their chosen activity. They gain numerous skills, for example, as they learn to work together, follow instructions, develop control and coordination and ask for help when needed. Staff

p.2

need to do better?

11 April 2023 continuously assess children, offering additional challenge and support at appropriate times. n Staff take great care in getting to know the children and understanding their personalities and needs. This sensitive attention means that children quickly become confident and enjoy the activities. They readily try new experiences, knowing that staff understand them and are there to support whenever needed. For example, young children beam with pride as they learn to steer and manoeuvre motorised go-karts. Opportunities such as these build children's self- esteem and help them gain confidence to try new experiences. n Staff speak clearly to children, repeating instructions and making sure children understand these. Children are confident and develop their good language skills as they play and talk to one another. For example, children organise a role-play shop. They decide who will work in the shop and who will be a customer. They

p.2

need to do better?

explain their play, giggling with delight as they pretend to make an ice cream and state 'this will cost all the money in the world because it's so big.' n Throughout each session, children have many opportunities that aid them in understanding differences. Staff support children to recognise their strengths, understand we are all different and respect one another's views, strengths and needs. n Staff build friendly, professional relationships with parents. They communicate well with them, for example, through daily discussions, letters and the displaying of a practical timetable. Parents state that they are very happy with the setting and appreciate the wide variety of activities on offer. Children tell the inspector that they enjoy attending, stating it is one of their 'best places'.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The management team and staff demonstrate a secure knowledge of safeguarding. They recognise the importance of swiftly noting any possible welfare concerns in a child's life and reporting these without delay to the correct professional. They complete regular training to update their knowledge and to help them understand wider safeguarding issues, such as the risks related to associating with extreme views and practices. Staff understand the possible dangers linked to use of the internet. They take effective steps to protect children and to help them understand how to keep themselves safe.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2626098 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10276069 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 150 Number of children on roll 587 Name of registered person Young World Leisure Group Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01480 467567 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Barracudas Hertford Presdales registered in 2021. The setting employs 21 members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including four with qualified teacher status. The setting opens from Monday to Friday during Easter and summer school holidays. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm.

p.4

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 setting. n The area manager showed the inspector the areas used for childcare and discussed how they ensure these are safe and suitable. n The inspector reviewed an activity with the area manager. n Meetings were held between the inspector, the area manager and the camp manager. The inspector looked at relevant documentation and saw evidence of the suitability of staff. n The inspector held discussions with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

11 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6