Ultimate Activity Camps at St Gabriel's School

Inspection of Ultimate Activity Camps at St Gabriel's School St. Gabriels School, Sandleford Priory, Newtown Road, Newtown, NEWBURY, Berkshire RG20 9BD

p.1

This provision meets requirements

The provider and staff demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibility to meet the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS). They provide a wide range of age-appropriate, fun and stimulating activities that motivate children very successfully. The provider ensures that staff place a priority on supporting children's confidence and emotional well-being. Children benefit from a familiar key person, who offers them a settled experience on arrival and throughout the day. Children settle quickly and enjoy their time at the club.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Children have a wealth of opportunities to participate in structured sports activities that promote teamwork, coordination and physical health. For example, children enthusiastically follow staff instructions as they 'warm up' before a planned group game. The provider ensures that staff place a strong focus on inclusion, so that all children are able to take part in activities, regardless of ability. The well-designed daily programme ensures a strong focus on promoting children's self-esteem through adapting activities, as required. This ensures the right level of interaction is offered to support children's enjoyment and continued participation.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

The provider ensures a positive approach to managing children's behaviour. The on-site team follow consistent strategies to promote good behaviour. Children build warm relationships with staff and develop new friendships quickly.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider holds effective oversight of the quality in the camp. They are supported by a well-qualified and experienced operational team, who provides ongoing support and supervision to the on-site team. The provider monitors the effectiveness of the leadership team well. They hold them to account for any emerging issues and ensure any matters are quickly identified and swiftly addressed. Dynamic risk assessments are carried out before any sports-based activities to ensure that children's safety is given high regard at all times. Regular monitoring visits, team meetings and reflective practice contribute to maintaining the high standards across the camp, which supports children's ongoing enjoyment. n The provider implements effective recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure staff suitability, including any agency staff, as required. Checks are diligently repeated prior to the start of the camp to ensure the ongoing suitability of

p.2

need to do better?

regular staff. Staff at all levels access regular training, including on a wide range of safeguarding matters. Procedures are consistently implemented to support children's safety, health and well-being. Staff report favourably on their workload

p.2

need to do better?

16 April 2025 and the support they receive. n The provider ensures good attention to the ratio and qualification requirements for the youngest children, so that children are well supervised and cared for by staff, who are qualified to meet their needs. The effective arrangements for deployment of staff ensures that young children are escorted between activities and staff are on hand to offer assistance if needed. n Staff act as positive role models, helping children to understand boundaries and make good choices. Children respond well to the familiar routines and fair expectations in place. They are supported to take responsibility for their own safety. For example, staff provide reminders on how to use scissors carefully during an art activity. Children know the group rules and follow these well. n The promotion of children's good health and safety remains a key priority. Policies that meet children's additional dietary needs are well embedded. The

p.2

need to do better?

timetable of the day allows for times to rest and relax, with a designated space for the youngest children to play uninterrupted, if needed. n The provider develops effective partnerships with parents and carers. Good amounts of information are shared prior to children starting camp to ensure their individual needs are met well. Additionally, staff share a wealth of information online and also on site, which keeps families well informed about their child's day. Parents speak very highly of the service and the wide range of activities available.

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 EY460219 Local authority West Berkshire Inspection number 10364719 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 80 Number of children on roll 131 Name of registered person The Ultimate Activity Company Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0330 1117077 Date of previous inspection 13 August 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Ultimate Activity Camps at St Gabriel's School registered in 2013. It is run by The Ultimate Activity Company Limited. The camp is located within the grounds of St Gabriel's School, Newbury in Berkshire. It operates from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during most school holidays. The camp employs a range of staff depending on the number of children attending. Staff hold suitable qualifications and/or experience, including teaching and sports qualifications.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the areas of the camp used by children and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector spoke with the head of operations and the camp manager about the leadership and management of the camp. n A joint observation was carried out with the management team. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at the camp. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views of the camp 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

16 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.

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