Mega Camps Billericay

Inspection of Mega Camps Billericay St. Johns School, 47-49 Stock Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 0AR

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This provision meets requirements

Children are incredibly happy at this friendly and fun camp. Children have developed excellent bonds with staff, which means they feel safe and secure and have a strong sense of belonging. Staff know children very well because many children return regularly. This helps staff to tailor experiences to what they know about children's interests. New children are assigned a 'friendship buddy' who helps them to settle into the setting and make new friendships.

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This provision meets requirements

Friendships are strong. Children show their happiness as they play with friends and in small groups. Children comment that they love coming to the setting because they have so much fun with their friends. Behaviour is very good. Staff set clear and consistent boundaries that children understand well. Regular reminders about the rules take place. Children remember these and proudly repeat them back to adults. Staff use their knowledge of children to manage any challenges as they arise. When children show signs of becoming disengaged, staff skilfully intervene and support children to find a new interest.

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This provision meets requirements

The wide range of fun and engaging activities promotes children's physical development and social interaction. Staff recognise the importance of giving children these experiences. This helps children develop positive attitudes to healthy lifestyles, both physically and mentally.

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need to do better?

n Children access a range of fun and exciting activities. Staff listen to children's views and use their knowledge of what children enjoy to plan the broad range of daily activities. Children rotate between activities. For example, they create polar bear masks, play dodge ball and develop routines in drama and dance sessions. They show pride in their achievements and show the inspector their completed masks. n Leaders have ensured that the setting is accessible to all children. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported through care plans to fully access the provision. The setting makes excellent use of additional funding to extend opportunities for children who may not otherwise be able to attend. n Younger children engage in inspiring activities. During a bug hunt, they explore what frost is. When they discover a hole in a tree, they discuss the possible animals or birds who might live there. Children use magnifiers to explore natural

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need to do better?

features such as tree sap and leaves. n Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They confidently explain what they should do if they feel sad or unhappy, or if a friend was being unkind or hurting them. Staff help children to stay safe. They remind children of safety

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need to do better?

3 January 2025 rules before activities and outings. Children who have dietary requirements are aware of the foods they cannot eat and explain why they wear a yellow wristband. n Children radiate joy and happiness as they engage in a dance session and play musical statues. Older children show camaraderie as they take part in 'axe throwing' tournaments. They cheer in support of the winning team. Staff help children to develop positive attitudes and resilience. They promote the importance of working as a team and that you cannot always be a winner. n The team of staff is highly reflective. Staff carry out a daily reflective session to identify what went well and what they might need to change for the next day. The voice of the child is central to decision-making. Children can vote for activities and their feedback and ideas are used to make improvements. Regular quality assurance checks and audits further support continuous improvements to

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need to do better?

take place. However, training opportunities for staff to expand their play skills are limited. This means that experiences for children led by staff may not always offer the level of excitement and interest as those delivered through external providers. n Staff report that they feel supported by leaders. Regular supervision provides staff with an opportunity to talk about their performance and share any concerns. They feel supported by senior leaders and head office staff, who visit regularly and offer support and feedback. Strong safe recruitment processes mean that only staff who are suitable to work with children are able to do so. Leaders check the ongoing suitability of staff during supervisions. n Parents share their gratitude for having a place at the club. They comment that children develop friendships, have fun, and grow in confidence. Parents appreciate the support children receive from staff and how children are sad

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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 EY550179 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10372378 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care

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inspection

Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 276 Name of registered person Mega Camps Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07876343914 Date of previous inspection 16 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Mega Camps Billericay registered in 2017. It is one of a chain of privately run holiday schemes. The camp operates each weekday during school holidays from 8am to 6pm. The provider employs 12 staff. Of these, two hold qualified teacher status and one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector joined leaders for a learning walk around the setting and discussed how they organise the activities for children. n The inspector observed the quality of staff interactions and the play opportunities available to children. n The provider shared relevant documentation, including suitability records and first-aid qualification details of staff members. n Children and staff spoke to the inspector about their time at the setting.

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Inspection activities

3 January 2025 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

3 January 2025 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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