Mega Camps Southend

Inspection of Mega Camps Southend Southend High School for Girls, Southchurch Boulevard, Southend-on-sea SS2 4UZ

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This provision meets requirements

Staff ensure that children receive a warm welcome to the camp. This helps children to settle well and they become confident in their surroundings. Staff support children to make friends and work together as a team. Children soon become familiar with the activities provided at the camp and form close attachments to staff. This gives children a sense of belonging.

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This provision meets requirements

Children are happy and behave well. They quickly learn the rules and expectations of the camp. Staff frequently remind them of the rules and what they expect of their behaviour at morning circle time and throughout the day. They remind children how to keep themselves safe during activities and to keep together when moving around the site.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff ensure that children are active and there is a good balance between quiet and physical activities. Staff talk to children about keeping their bodies healthy, through the food they eat and how much water they drink. Staff ask children to stop frequently and 'take three sips of water'. This encourages children to drink and they line up to refill their water bottles during the day. Staff talk to children during dance sessions as they move around to music. They ask children to stop and notice how fast their hearts are beating to make them aware of the reaction of their bodies to activity.

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need to do better?

n Children have access to a wide variety of activities that change every day. Staff make sure all activities are adapted according to children's ages and abilities. They ensure that all activities are inclusive and meet the needs of all children. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities thrive in this camp as staff ensure that each child can take part. n Children wear different coloured wristbands so that all staff know, for example, whether a child has allergies or additional needs. Children bring snacks and packed lunches from home and staff are vigilant, ensuring that children with allergies stay safe. n Staff work closely with parents and the local authority to ensure that children can participate in the camp's activities. Leaders ensure that the camp provides places for children in receipt of additional funding. The camp can offer one-to- one support for children, where necessary, to ensure all children are fully

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need to do better?

included. n Parents report that their children have thrived since joining the camp. They say that their children's communication skills have improved and their confidence has grown beyond their expectations. Parents say that their children ask when

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need to do better?

16 August 2024 they can attend the camp and cannot wait to get there. Some parents drive a long way to get to this camp as it benefits their children so much. n Young children are excited to see their new friends and join the friendly and caring staff in interesting and fun activities. They enjoy circle games, such as 'Duck, duck, goose' and 'What's the time Mr. Wolf?' They chase each other with delight and are keen to be the next key player. Younger and older children are eager to show visitors the creations they have made from paper and card, and beam with pride to receive praise for their work. n Young children grow in confidence as they settle into regular days at the camp. They are confident to stand up and sing to their friends in a group. Some children are keen to talk and sing holding a microphone. Staff use child-friendly resources that give children skills they would not otherwise have the opportunity

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need to do better?

to learn. Children can engage in 'risky' activities, such as axe throwing and fencing, which are thoroughly supervised. n There is a strong management team, who are extremely reflective and professional. They encourage staff to evaluate the activities and the care and learning they provide for the children. Leaders ask staff, parents and children how well they are meeting their needs. They act on suggestions and are constantly striving to make improvements or enhancements to the provision. n New staff go through rigorous recruitment procedures and training before they can work alongside other staff and children. Leaders continuously check that staff are suitable to work with children. They check their health and well-being and ensure that staff are happy in their roles. They conduct daily briefing sessions and regular meetings with staff. Staff receive regular supervision meetings and have access to ongoing training.

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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 2690142 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10355515 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 90 Number of children on roll 448 Name of registered person Mega Camps Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07876343914 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Mega Camps Southend registered in 2022 and is situated in Southchurch, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. It is run by Mega Camps Ltd. There are 10 members of childcare staff. The camp opens Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm during school holidays.

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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 their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed areas of the premises available for children, indoors and outdoors. n The inspector spoke to some staff and children. n The inspector took account of the views of parents by speaking with them during the inspection and reading written testimonials online. n The inspector held a meeting with leaders to discuss the leadership and management of 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

16 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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