School's Out Activities at Felixstowe School

Inspection of School's Out Activities at Felixstowe School Felixstowe School, High Street, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 9QR

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This provision meets requirements

Children arrive with an air of excitement. They immediately feel safe and comfortable, when greeted by name from the staff who remember them from previous camps. Experienced staff recognise that each child is individual and settling-in procedures change to suit the needs of each child. Children attending for the first time build swift attachments to friendly staff through a robust key-person system. Staff wear colour coded t-shirts, and coordinating seating areas helps children feel unity and an extra sense of reassurance. For example, they can easily spot familiar staff and know who to go to if they need anything.

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This provision meets requirements

Each week is based around a theme. For instance, as part of 'little gardeners' week children take part in a wide range of interesting, extremely fun and educational activities. Staff are extremely enthusiastic about planting, growing and exploring the natural environment. It is evident that children are developing the same qualities as they confidently fill cups with cotton wool balls and add cress seeds, before watering them to help them grow. During a bug hunt, children develop peer friendships while working together to find minibeasts, such as ladybirds. Children behave well. They thoroughly enjoy themselves and chat confidently with other children they have just met.

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need to do better?

n The camp is run by a management team, who are very organised and professional. They are hands on and support the highly qualified staff team extremely well. A stringent recruitment process, induction programme, training and support ensures staff are confident in their role and are fully equipped to care for the children attending. Staff report excellent well-being and look forward to working at the camp. n Children love to test their physical limits through age-appropriate physical challenges. They enjoy new experiences, such as glow-in-the-dark dodgeball and all children look forward to jumping around on the bouncy castles. Staff recognise that some children would benefit from a quieter environment, and these children are provided with quiet and calm spaces, where they can snuggle up with a book and relax. n Parents speak very highly of the 'trusted' team of staff, and the incredible activities provided. Parents of children with special educational needs and/or

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need to do better?

disabilities praise the amazing support put in place for their children when they start and throughout their time at the camp. n Children display polite manners and frequently show kind behaviours and attitudes towards others. Genuinely caring staff are respectful of how children may be feeling and children are offered reassurance if they feel anxious or sad.

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need to do better?

30 July 2025 n Children and staff make full use of the space and facilities at the school from which they operate. Parents are invited to an end of the week show in the school's theatre, which is a particular highlight for children and staff. The management team and staff have superb relationships. Effective communication with the school and maintenance team ensures the ongoing safety of the premises and overall safety of children and staff during their time at the camp. n Children becoming increasingly independent in their self-care skills with clear routines and encouragement from staff, such as washing hands before eating and after playing outdoors. n Staff have large trolleys that contain endless activities for children to make choices in their play. Staff listen to children's ideas and help them build on their interests through their fun-loving interactions. For example, children interested in dragons work together with staff and their peers to design and create a

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need to do better?

dragon from interconnecting plastic blocks. Children show high levels of pride in their achievements, as they ask staff to help them move it to somewhere it will not get broken.

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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 2726195 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10392466 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 60 Number of children on roll 50 Name of registered person School's Out Activities Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01473942990 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

School's Out Activities at Felixstowe School registered in 2023. The club currently employs 30 members of childcare staff. All staff hold appropriate qualifications, including seven who hold qualified teacher status. The club opens from Monday to Friday during school holidays. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm.

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Inspection activities

n The provider showed the inspector around the camp, and discussed the different activities that children are able to take part in. n The inspector observed children playing and chatting to staff. n The inspector spoke to staff, the provider and senior managers. n Parents told the inspector what they thought about the camp and staff, and their views were considered. n The children told the inspector about what they like to do when they are at the camp. n The inspector sampled policies and procedures and checked evidence of staff's suitability to work with children.

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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

30 July 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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Inspection activities

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