Barracudas (Romford)

Inspection of Barracudas (Romford) The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls, Brentwood Road, ROMFORD RM1 2RR

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This provision meets requirements

Leader and managers run the holiday camp with care and compassion to create a place where staff welcome and support all children and their families. Children are happy and feel safe here because staff place a strong emphasis on their well-being and happiness. They are positively engaged in meaningful play and learning experiences from the moment they arrive. Adults provide well-planned opportunities that spark children's curiosity and encourage their independence. Through gentle encouragement, children make choices in their play and foster a sense of ownership and enjoyment. Staff manage sessions skilfully, ensuring resources are used purposefully and safely. As a result, children remain focused, energetic and enthusiastic throughout the day.

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This provision meets requirements

Staff foster warm, nurturing relationships with children, creating a safe and supportive environment. They respond sensitively to children's individual needs, carefully observing and planning targeted support for those who require additional help. This thoughtful approach ensures every child is included, supported and encouraged to thrive, both socially and emotionally. Staff value children's voices, with well-established systems enabling them to express preferences and shape their day. Staff actively seek and respond to children's input, using carefully planned activities and resources that reflect their interests and extend learning. This approach fosters independence, decision-making and a strong sense of ownership in children's play.

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need to do better?

n Children thrive at the camp, showing strong independence and active engagement in a wide range of activities. They enjoy group games, creative activities and story times. Children confidently express rules, which help them follow routines and understand boundaries. Staff consistently reinforce positive behaviour, creating a warm, supportive environment, where expectations are clear and kindness is encouraged. n Staff thoughtfully plan games and activities for children in small groups, so children receive appropriate support and attention. This helps to foster the development of children's social skills. Throughout these activities, staff provide consistent encouragement and celebrate children's efforts, promoting a positive learning environment. n Information collected from parents helps staff to put appropriate support in place for children. If needed, the camp manager quickly seeks support from external agencies to ensure every child gets the help and support they need.

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need to do better?

Funding is used wisely to ensure all children experience a fully inclusive environment.

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need to do better?

29 July 2025 n Communication is a great strength here, with excellent back and forth interactions between children and staff. The care and respectful interactions children have with one another reflect high levels of emotional security and a sense of belonging. The environment is thoughtfully managed and well equipped, offering ample space for both indoor and outdoor activities. n Positive behaviour is modelled and encouraged by staff consistently throughout the day. Children respond well to established group rules and familiar routines, which support their understanding of boundaries. Staff work sensitively with children to help them understand what they would like them to do. They allow time for children to respond to what is being asked of them, encouraging them patiently and celebrating successes. n Mealtimes are a calm and quiet time for children. Staff remind children of expectations, so they know the routine well. They line up to wash their hands

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need to do better?

before eating and tidy up after they finish. They are reminded to eat what is in their lunch box only, as sharing food might make some children feel poorly. n Staff have put systems in place for children to let them know what they would like to do. This means children have a voice in shaping their day at the holiday camp. As a result, children are highly engaged, make meaningful choices and develop independence in a supportive and respectful environment. n The management team is fully committed to making sure all children are happy and thriving during their time at camp. Leaders work closely with staff, sharing examples of good practice and sharing a clear vision for the camp's success. Self-assessment is secure, which ensures that the holiday camp continuously identifies areas for development, putting training and support in place to maintain high standards.

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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 EY544366 Local authority Havering Inspection number 10388791 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 110 Number of children on roll 99 Name of registered person Young World Leisure Group Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01480 467 567 Date of previous inspection 30 July 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Barracudas (Romford) activity camp registered in 2016. It is situated in Romford in the London Borough of Havering. The camp employs 18 members of staff. Of these, all hold childcare qualifications between level 1 to level 8. The camp opens Monday to Friday, during some school holidays. Sessions run from 8am to 6pm. The provider accesses Disability Access Funding for children who require additional support.

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Inspection activities

n The provider showed the inspector around the setting and explained how staff support children's enjoyment and development. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions between staff and children and assessed the impact of these on children's engagement. n The inspector held discussions with the provider, which included arrangements for the recruitment and support of staff, and safeguarding. n The provider showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff. n The inspector spoke with the provider about the leadership and management of the club.

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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

29 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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