Venture Camps Ashford Holiday Camp

Inspection of Venture Camps Ashford Holiday Camp THE WYVERN SCHOOL, Great Chart Bypass, Ashford TN23 4ER

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This provision meets requirements

The staff offer an exciting range of sports-focused activities that engage the children. The children are keen to come to the camp and discover the activities staff have planned for the day. They talk about their favourite games, such as fort building which is particularly popular with many of the children. The staff use the morning group activities effectively to remind children about the rules and expectations of behaviour at the camp. They treat the children with respect, listen to what they say and remind them to talk to a team member if they have any concerns or need support throughout the day. This helps children to settle and gain a sense of belonging at the camp.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff have a good understanding of the general interests of the children. They work closely with parents to support all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and children who speak English as an additional language. They ensure that children are not rushed and have time to explore the environment and engage in their chosen activity. For instance, older children enjoy playing football with the support of a professional coach. The younger children investigate the large, outdoor play equipment. They climb and balance to develop their physical skills as they take managed risks in their play.

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need to do better?

n The provider plans engaging events throughout the day that have a strong emphasis on sport and team building. Staff use various activities effectively to help children build self-confidence and foster friendships within their groups. For instance, during the parachute game, staff call out children's names to encourage them to get to know their peers better. There is lots of laughter and fun as the children run underneath the parachute and carefully navigate their way to the other side. The children enjoy engaging in exciting play activities and are learning to work collaboratively as a group. n Staff communicate well and work together to ensure that all children are appropriately supervised throughout the day. They are flexible in their approach and adapt activities to meet the diverse needs of the children. For example, staff recognise that some children may benefit from a quieter environment and plan

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need to do better?

accordingly. They set up additional resources outside the hall for children who need a break during sports activities or who require a calmer space. These contingency plans ensure that the staff meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND and English as an additional language. There is a clear focus on children's well-being. n The management team provide parents with a wealth of information before their children start at the camp. They have established good communication links to

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need to do better?

15 April 2025 keep parents informed about care needs and daily activities. The group of younger children has a consistent key person, ensuring stability and familiarity during their time at the holiday camp. All parents, whether regular users of the service or new to the camp, comment on how happy their children are to come to the holiday camp. n Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. The children are exceptionally well behaved. They are kind to their friends and polite. For instance, the children make sure that their friends are okay and help them find equipment so that they can join in with the soft archery activity. Staff make good use of praise to recognise children's kindness and cooperation as they take turns and share resources. However, there are some occasions when the movement between activities becomes hectic, which can be overwhelming for some children and disrupt the smooth flow of the children's routine.

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need to do better?

n The leadership and management arrangements are well established and highly effective. They have strong recruitment, training and induction procedures in place to ensure they maintain children's safety and welfare at all times. The provider constantly evaluates the service offered to make sure they meet the needs of the children and families who use them. For instance, they are at present exploring the addition of more craft-based activities to enhance what they already provide for children. There is a clear commitment to evolving and expanding the services provided.

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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 2768353 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10393156 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 70 Name of registered person High 5 Sports Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07909953984 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Venture Camps Ashford Holiday Camp registered in 2023. It is one of six camps operated by High 5 Sports Limited. The camp runs from Wyvern School in Ashford, Kent. It operates during the school holidays from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The provider currently employs eight members of staff to work at the camp. Most staff hold a teaching or coaching qualification.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector observed staff and children's interactions, both indoors and outdoors. n Relevant documentation was looked at by the inspector such as staff's qualifications and their suitability to work with children. n Parents shared their views of the camp with the inspector through face-to face discussions. n The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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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

15 April 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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