Active Camps at Beechwood Park School

Inspection of Active Camps at Beechwood Park School Beechwood Park School, Beechwood Park, Markyate, St. Albans AL3 8AW

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This provision meets requirements

Staff organise the environment well and use children's interests to plan activities for children. For example, staff use the children's interest in the Olympics as a theme for creative activities. Children are keen to engage in torch making. They talk about the different colours in the fire and replicate this using pipe cleaners. Staff join children at activities, giving each child time to talk about what they are making, proudly describing their intended designs.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are independent through their day and are responsible for their water bottle and belongings. Staff talk to children about the importance of remaining hydrated while at camp. They discuss with children the impact of not drinking enough. This builds children's knowledge of being healthy.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff are excellent role models for children's behaviour and attitudes. Staff discuss the rules of each area of the camp as they move around. This ensures children have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. All children are kind to each other. Older children help their younger friends when they struggle to open wrappers at snack time. Children include each other in every activity. As a result, there is a friendly atmosphere within the camp.

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need to do better?

n Children have regular opportunities to explore their world around them. They explore the local woodland area, bug hunting and completing scavenger hunts. Staff allow children freedom to explore independently, knowing they are within the safe boundaries of the school and woods. Staff create nature activities in the woodland tree house and children enjoy using their scavenger finds to get creative. n Staff use the wide open spaces to create a wealth of physical activities. They climb on the adventure trail, play football on the grass and practise their throwing skills on the netball court. A qualified lifeguard on site allows children to access the swimming pool. Children take swim tests every day to determine where they can swim, and staff members are always in the pool to ensure safety. Children enjoy playing games such as water polo. n Children develop their imaginative skills through play. Staff talk to children about

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need to do better?

their creations with the blocks. Children proudly talk about the different parts of their aircrafts. Children enjoy playing together as they play detectives, looking at who has taken their friend's pizza. Children of all ages play together successfully. n Children with special educational needs and/disabilities (SEND) are supported well at the camp. Staff work closely with parents and class teachers to gather information. They ensure children's individual plans are incorporated into the

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need to do better?

30 July 2024 camp's routines. Staff adapt activities to ensure children with SEND are able to fully engage with camp activities. n Staff are skilled at supporting children who do not want to access activities that have been planned. In the sports hall, staff play catch with tennis balls across the hall as younger children play on the bouncy castle. Staff explain that children always have options to complete other activities if they do not want to take part in what has been planned. n Staff share information with parents about their child's day. At the beginning of the day, they talk to parents about how their child has been and if there is anything they need to know ahead of their day. Parents find the staff team happy, friendly and approachable. Parents talk of their children's enjoyment at attending the camp. n Staff working at the camp return each season and, therefore, have good relationships with the children. They youngest children have key persons, and

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need to do better?

they are very knowledgeable about their key children. Staff receive training opportunities and feel well supported by the provider. Supervisions, appraisals and lesson observations are completed by the camp manager. This supports staff to build on weaknesses in their practice as well as celebrating their strengths. As a result, staff enjoy working at the camp.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2660680 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10350739 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 60 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person Oxford Active Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01865 594325 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Active Camps at Beechwood Park School registered in 2022. It employs eight staff. The camp is open during school holidays only, Monday to Friday, 8.15am until 6pm.

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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 the evaluations of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector spoke with the camp manager about the leadership and management of the camp. n The camp manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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

30 July 2024 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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