Venture Camps -The Canterbury Holiday Camp

Inspection of Venture Camps -The Canterbury Holiday Camp The Langton School Grammar for Boys, Langton Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7AS

p.1

This provision meets requirements

The staff at the camp are very supportive and focus on helping children form friendships and interact with their peers. They provide a wide range of experiences that help to develop teamwork as the children investigate and explore the environment. The provider places a strong ethos on active learning and providing children with opportunities to run around and learn how to work collaboratively. For instance, staff encourage children to work with peers to complete tasks, such as fort building. As the children communicate with each other, they develop their problem-solving skills by figuring out how to make the panels fit together without wobbling or falling over. There is a sense of anticipation and lots of giggles as children hide inside the fort, jumping out to surprise any unsuspecting staff who come to help them. Staff provide high-quality activities to help develop children's social and cognitive skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

At the start of each day, the staff take time to explain the day's routines and introduce themselves to the children. They talk to the children about the rules and expectations while at camp. This helps to support children's behaviour and promotes their safety.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Staff promote children's good health effectively. They provide many opportunities for active play, and emphasise the importance of children sanitising their hands before eating. Snack and mealtimes are sociable occasions, where all the groups come together to catch up on the day.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff ensure there is plenty of fun and laughter at the camp, especially when the children participate in team games with their peers. For example, the excitement builds as the children listen to the rules of dodge ball before starting the game. The staff provide the children with excellent opportunities to develop their physical skills. The children practise throwing, and there are great celebrations when a member of staff forgets to dodge and must sit on the bench. Staff are focused on making sure the children are safe and having a good time at the camp. n The staff team is extremely organised, and group activities are set up ready to minimise waiting times for the children. Children who do not wish to join in with these activities appear happy to watch and staff check on them regularly. However, they are not always offered alternatives, to ensure all children consistently benefit from purposeful experiences.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff are approachable and interact with the children as they join in activities with them. They skilfully engage children in conversations and take time to listen

p.2

need to do better?

27 May 2025 and respond to their questions and comments. The staff provide lots of praise and encouragement during activities to help boost children's confidence and self- esteem. The children are well behaved and show kindness and consideration to each other. n The provider is committed to ensuring parents receive detailed information about the camp before their children start. For instance, they email information about activities, the staff and what each child will need at camp. They place a strong emphasis on working closely with new and existing parents to ensure their children have a wonderful experience. Parents comment that their children are very excited to attend the holiday camp. n The provider has established highly effective leadership and management procedures to ensure the smooth running of the company. They have implemented robust recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure staff suitability for working with children. All staff undergo mandatory training,

p.2

need to do better?

including online child protection courses, at the start of each holiday. This ensures staff understand how to maintain children's welfare. They conduct regular risk assessments of the premises, equipment and activities to ensure children are safe. Staff maintain effective communication among themselves to ensure proper supervision of the children throughout the day. Staff comment on how happy and supported they feel in their roles. There is a great feeling of camaraderie at the camp.

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 2723668 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10324463 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 35 Number of children on roll 47 Name of registered person Venture Training & Education Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07548294804 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Venture Camps –The Canterbury Holiday Camp registered in 2023. It is one of six settings operated by Venture Training & Education Ltd. The camp runs from The Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury, Kent. It operates during the school holidays from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The provider currently employs five members of staff to work at the camp. Of these, most hold a sports qualification.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The area manager carried out a tour with the inspector and explained the aims for the camp and daily routines. n A joint observation was completed with the manager, area manager and inspector on a group activity. n The inspector observed the staff's interactions with the children both indoors and outdoors. n Parents and children shared their views of the camp with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to the area manager and staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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

27 May 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