The Oxford Boat Adventure

Inspection of The Oxford Boat Adventure Queenford Farm, Dorchester-on-thames, Wallingford OX10 7PH

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Leaders have developed the holiday camp with clear aims and objectives in mind. They want children to develop a love of being outdoors, and a curiosity about all it has to offer. With this in mind, they plan an imaginative set of 'adventures' for children to participate in each day. Children relish the opportunities to explore woodland, cook on open fires, and build and sail rafts. They do so under the guidance of expert staff, who teach children new skills and keep them safe.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Although children only attend the camp for a few days each year, they show they feel settled and happy to be there. Alongside the staff who lead the activities, there is a team of pastoral staff assigned to each group of children. These staff know about any additional support children may need to get the most out of their time at the camp. They also help children make friends, understand about behavioural expectations and learn the routines of the day. Children know they will be greeted by familiar faces, and that these staff will spend the day with them. This helps children feel welcome, safe and confident about the day ahead.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders are passionate about what they do. They put a great deal of thought into how they can provide a memorable time for children. They put together a well-balanced team of staff, who bring different skills and expertise with them. Through a thorough programme of induction training and mentoring they build a team who do their job really well. The positivity of leaders and staff is infectious. The camp is full of happy adults and children, who learn and laugh together. n Staff adapt 'adventures' to the ages of the children taking part. This means that children of all ages, including younger ones, can get the most out of all that is on offer. Younger children delight in arriving at woodlands to find a den building experience waiting for them. Staff help children think about what they might want to do, then encourage them to put their own ideas into practice. n Staff organise the day so that, as well as taking part in planned activities,

p.2

need to do better?

children can follow their own interests and engage in conversations that further their understanding. For example, when on their way to an activity, children spot a line of ants, staff encourage them to stop and study them. This approach helps children develop their curiosity and observational skills. Staff plan in time for children to chat around a camp fire, listening to, and learning from, what others have to say. n Children are proud of what they can do. For example, they beam with delight as they show the soap they have helped make, explaining what they did and how they are going to keep it safe. Staff play an active role in building children's self- esteem. For example, staff ensure every child has an opportunity to show the

p.2

need to do better?

8 August 2024 'fairy dens' they have built to their friends and explain their ideas and processes. n Children gain a very positive view of themselves as capable young people. Staff know that with clear instruction children can manage their own risks and keep themselves safe. Children respond positively to the trust adults put in them. For example, they know how to stay safe as they cross the lake, with staff, on rafts to an island to cook and eat pizza. Staff teach children how to identify and minimise their own risks as they explore woodland. n Staff plan activities to specifically encourage teamwork and inclusivity. This helps children learn to consider each other and include everyone in their play. Children have to work together to build fairy houses, making sure each other's ideas are taken into account. Children work as a team to get everyone safely around an obstacle course. n Children and parents are equally full of praise for the camp. Children use terms

p.2

need to do better?

such as 'double thumbs up' and 'extra great time' to describe it. Parents praise leaders for the safe running of the camp and report on how it is helping their children gain a very positive view of following an active lifestyle. Leaders work closely with parents to ensure they have a thorough understanding of children's needs before they start, so they can make any adaptations needed to ensure children are safe, healthy and happy.

p.3

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 2669335 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10350582 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 168 Number of children on roll 330 Name of registered person The Oxford Boat Adventure Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07979 592753 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The Oxford Boat Adventure registered in 2022 and is located in Dorchester-on- Thames, Wallingford. It operates from 8am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, during some school holidays. There are thirty members of staff, of whom three hold early years qualifications.

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 her evaluation of the provider. n The inspector had a tour of the camp and found out about the types of activities staff offer children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with leaders. n The inspector observed how staff interacted with children, and evaluated the impact of these on children's engagement. n Leaders explained how they supported staff and managed the camp. n Parents and children shared their views, and the inspector took these into account.

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

8 August 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