Ultimate Activity Camps at Ballard School

Inspection of Ultimate Activity Camps at Ballard School Ballard School, Fernhill Lane, New Milton BH25 5SU

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children are happy to attend the inviting and friendly holiday camp. Staff enthusiastically welcome children who are new; they show an interest in their likes and dislikes and this enables children to settle quickly and make friends. Children are allocated a key group according to their age during their time at the camp. This enables staff to provide appropriate care and activities and supports younger children to feel safe and secure. The range of activities provided is exciting. Older children take part in fencing, archery and zorbing, while younger children play parachute games, go on the bouncy castle and use the adventure playground. Staff pride themselves on giving children experiences that they may not usually get at home or school.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Staff have high expectations and are good role models. They demonstrate respect for others as they listen to the children and each other. Staff support children to behave well and children's behaviour is good. Staff talk to children about being safe and also the importance of staying hydrated in hot weather. Children demonstrate they understand the expectations and routines of the camp. They comment that they feel safe and they like the staff, who are fun.

p.2

need to do better?

n The organisation of this camp is well managed. There is good oversight by an operations team that regularly checks that policies and procedures are being implemented and that activities are well organised. Staff's safeguarding knowledge is also tested regularly. Staff comment that they feel well supported. n Activities are well thought out by staff. For example, rather than just take the younger children on a nature trail, staff read them a book about trees before they leave. They prepare a scavenger hunt for the walk and children excitedly look for items, such as leaves, flowers, spiders and bees. They shout to their friends to come and look when they find something of interest. n Children's well-being is carefully considered. Staff recognise that new or younger children might be nervous, so they organise welcome games at the beginning of the day. Children can choose to take part in boisterous games of tag or smaller,

p.2

need to do better?

quieter games such as 'Duck, Duck, Goose'. Children are seen to be confident and self-assured. They are welcoming to visitors and speak with confidence about their favourite club activities, such as swimming. n Younger children benefit from having their own base room with plenty of early years resources, such as construction equipment, books and art materials. This dedicated space gives young children time away from the busy camp and enables them to build good relationships with the staff who care for them. They have a visual timetable, which helps children to know what is happening

p.2

need to do better?

30 July 2024 throughout the day. n Parents are happy with the care their children receive. They report their children are happy and that they always leave with stories about the activities they have taken part in. The manager is a reassuring presence at drop off and pick up times and is happy to answer any questions parents may have. n Staff are attentive to young children's personal care needs and all children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise throughout the day. Children follow good hygiene practices and wash their hands regularly. Staff encourage children to bring in healthy packed lunches. n New and returning staff receive appropriate training before each camp, which helps to ensure they are clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff work well together as a team, with the manager providing consistent support.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2676360 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10347156 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 104 Number of children on roll 193 Name of registered person The Ultimate Activity Company Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0330 111 7077 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Ultimate Activity Camps at Ballard School registered in 2022 and is situated within the grounds of Ballard School in New Milton, Hampshire. The setting operates from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during school Easter and summer holidays only. The camp employs a range of staff depending on the number of children attending. Some staff have a childcare or teaching qualification but all have experience working with children as a minimum.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at the camp. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the head of operations about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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

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.

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