Ultimate Activity Camps at Thornton College

Inspection of Ultimate Activity Camps at Thornton College Thornton College, College Lane, Thornton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 0HJ

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This provision meets requirements

Children enter the holiday camp happily. They are very quick to settle and engage in play. Children who are new to the camp meet friendly staff and feel safe and secure. Staff set out activities and resources that they know interest the children, which helps them to settle quickly. There is a happy and calm atmosphere at the camp, where overall the session flows seamlessly. Children understand the rules of the camp and how and why they need to be safe, as well as kind to each other. However, children know that the most important rule is to have fun.

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This provision meets requirements

All children show extremely positive attitudes to play. They talk fondly about the activities they like to do when they attend the camp. For instance, younger children are excited to swim in the afternoon and the older children have an introduction to a fencing activity. Children show good manners and are polite and respectful to each other. For example, younger children enjoyed playing a game of snap with staff, while others enjoyed a range of arts and crafts, creating pictures of their favourite holiday destinations. Children behave well. They enjoy playing competitive games and feel that they can trust the staff or ask them for help. Children always have the choice to play outside, or in the large hall and access a range of sports equipment. For example, on the day of inspection, children negotiated the large parachute outside. They demonstrate good levels of concentration as they flap the parachute up and down and negotiate keeping the beanbag on the parachute

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This provision meets requirements

together. In addition, children enjoy competing in a range of team games, such as playing dodgeball and 'duck, duck goose'.

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need to do better?

n There is a strong leadership team, who give good support to the staff. Professional development opportunities are given to staff who want to develop further, through training and further career progression. Staff report that they feel valued and listened to as they make suggestions to improve activities and benefit from daily huddles and evaluation of camp, at the end of each day. The Head Office team provide ample training, robust induction and an extensive amount of support to ensure that staff are capable and feel confident in their roles. n Staff have a good understanding of out-of-school care. They ensure that children can relax and socialise with their friends. They balance this well with opportunities for children to engage in stimulating activities that support their formal learning. n Children benefit from skilful interactions provided by staff. Overall, staff use effective interactions, such as asking questions to promote children's thinking

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need to do better?

skills. However, some transition times are not as smooth as they could be. For

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need to do better?

24 July 2024 example, there are times when children line up and wait for long periods, as staff collect children's belongings or make another head count, before moving from base room to the hall. While children behave well, it means children can become restless because at times they have to wait for adults. n Staff have carefully considered the needs of younger children. For example, they have allocated a base room specifically for early years children with a lead member of staff. This ensures younger children do not get overwhelmed, but allows them to gain a sense of security. In the base room, staff reinforce the rules of the camp and the daily routine, so all children become familiar with the day's content. For new children, staff introduce them to their peers and make sure they feel welcome and part of camp. n Children are independent and confident. They form friendships with each other and demonstrate that they are kind and caring. Children show high levels of

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need to do better?

engagement, both during planned activities and times of free play. n Parents are full of praise for the organisation and safety of the camp. They feel staff are very approachable and there is a good mixture of mature and younger staff. Staff work with parents ahead of children attending camp, to ensure they know as much about the children in their care before they arrive. For example, parents of younger children complete a questionnaire to find out information about children's interests, as well as their learning at school. n Staff support children to follow good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands prior to meals and snacks. Children understand the routines and remember to tell a member of staff when they are going to go to the toilet, to support their safety and security. n Staff are excellent role models and set out the expectations of the camp each morning and throughout the day. Children are confident, behave well and feel

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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 2671247 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 10339430 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 104 Number of children on roll 176 Name of registered person The Ultimate Activity Company Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 0330 111 7077 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Ultimate Activity Camps at Thornton College registered in 2022 and is one of several holiday camps operated by The Ultimate Activity Company Ltd. It is located in Thornton College, Thornton, in Buckingham. The camp is open on weekdays, during the Easter and the summer school holidays, from 8am until 6pm. The provider employs seven staff to work at this setting, three of whom hold qualified teacher status.

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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 operations manager and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The operations manager gave the inspector a tour of the premises and explained how the provision was organised. n The inspector observed interactions between children and staff. n Parents and children shared their views. n The inspector spoke with the operations manager, camp manager and staff at convenient times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of key documentation.

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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

24 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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