Barracudas

Inspection of Barracudas Maidstone Grammar School For Girls, Great Buckland, Maidstone ME16 0SF

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This provision meets requirements

Children are excited to come to camp to see their friends and take part in the exciting array of activities planned. Staff greet children and settle them into their base room when they arrive. They gather information about the children and take time to learn their names and likes. This helps to make sure that all children are confident and feel secure during their time at the camp.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour and conduct. They talk to the children at the beginning of the day about how to stay safe at camp. Children share their understanding of the rules and talk about being kind to others. They know the main priorities while at camp are to keep safe and have lots of fun.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff listen to the children as they share their thoughts and ideas. For instance, children talk about the Olympics as they make collages of the Eiffel Tower. There is a real excitement as they look at each other's artwork. Staff and peers discuss who they think are the best artists. Staff make strong use of praise to celebrate children's achievements to help boost their confidence and self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n The management of the camp has implemented robust recruitment and vetting procedures to check that staff are suitable to work with children. All staff complete mandatory training at the beginning of each holiday camp. For example, they complete online child protection training. Staff know the procedures to follow to maintain children's safety. Staff who facilitate more specialised activities, such as fencing and archery, receive additional accredited training. This ensures that they have the required skills to deliver these activities safely. n The manager knows the importance of ensuring staff are appropriately deployed throughout the day. This enables staff to protect children and maintain their welfare. For example, during a fire alarm practise staff efficiently lead children to the meeting point. Children are calm and respond to requests as they leave the building. Staff follow emergency procedures to ensure that children are safe and

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need to do better?

accounted for. n The staff plan an extensive range of physical activities for children to engage in throughout their time at camp. The staff are good role models, who join in with activities, such as dancing to music and playing football. Children thoroughly enjoy developing their coordination and muscle strength as they interact with friends and acquire physical skills. n Staff provide children with opportunities to interact with peers as they join in with active play sessions. The children particularly enjoy going on a nature trail

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need to do better?

30 July 2024 and engaging in craft activities, such as leaf rubbing using paper and pencils. They have great fun as they see if they can make the seed pods of the sycamore tree spin when they throw them up in the air. However, on occasion, staff are not as organised when setting up activities. This results in children sometimes having to wait for resources or not having sufficient space to engage in activities. n Parent partnerships are strong. The management provides parents with a wealth of information before their children start at the camp. They have good communication links to keep parents informed about their child's care and activities they engage with throughout the day. Parents comment on the professional staff. Children state that staff are always happy and want to join in with activities. n All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are very well supported. Managers work closely with parents and other

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need to do better?

professionals to make sure they offer a consistent approach to meeting children's needs. There is a strong emphasis on supporting children's well-being. This helps children to have a positive experience while at camp. n Children have a multitude of opportunities to take managed risks in their play. For instance, staff help children to put on protective clothing so that they are ready to participate in motorsports. Staff make sure that activities are appropriate for children's age and stage of development. For example, during motorsports activities, younger children drive slower electric go-karts so that they can take on challenges the same as their older peers.

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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 EY501132 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10346896 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 220 Number of children on roll 266 Name of registered person Young World Leisure Group Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01480 467 567 Date of previous inspection 14 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Barracudas registered in 2016. It is one of 54 holiday camps owned by Young World Leisure Group Limited. It operates from Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, in Maidstone, Kent. The camp is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm during the school summer holidays. The provider currently employs 21 members of staff to work at the camp. Some staff are specialist sports instructors and three staff hold qualified teacher status.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the camp has received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with staff and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the camp. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The area manager carried out a learning walk with the inspector and explained the aims for the camp and daily routines. n A joint observation was completed with the manager and inspector on a group activity. n Parents views were gathered through face-to-face discussions. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the staff working at the camp.

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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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