Barracudas (Sevenoaks)

Inspection of Barracudas (Sevenoaks) Walthamstow Hall, Holly Bush Lane, SEVENOAKS, Kent TN13 3UL

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This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy themselves at this exceptionally well-managed camp. Any child who is new, or less confident than others, is closely supported. Children say they feel safe at camp and know that staff will help them if they need it. The carefully planned timetable of activities enables children to try things they may not have done before. For example, children learn sports, such as lacrosse, and take part in team challenge games. Staff gently build children's confidence. They praise children highly and celebrate their achievements. By the end of the week, many children are keen to take part in the much anticipated end of week talent show.

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This provision meets requirements

Younger children demonstrate how happy and secure they feel. Staff adapt the routine to take account of the children's needs. This helps to ensure younger children have sufficient time for active games, such as parachute games, and less fast-paced activities, such as yoga and art. Children develop new skills and gain significantly in their self-confidence as they participate in activities, such as archery.

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This provision meets requirements

Children behave well as staff set clear expectations. Any rare incidents of unwelcome behaviour are very quickly resolved. Children's choices are valued and acknowledged in the planning of activities. Children show respect for one another and cooperate well. For example, younger children initiate a game of building a large fort. Children suggest they 'work together as a team' and help each other in achieving the intended end result. This reflects the strong relationships children form and the new friendships they make at camp.

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need to do better?

n The leadership team and head office staff organise the camps with precision and meticulous detail. There is an obvious shared commitment towards delivering provision of the highest quality. The leadership team, known within camp as the 'blue shirts', actively monitor the quality of provision and offer staff plenty of support and guidance. Leaders clearly set their expectations. This ensures staff fully understand how to deliver activities and plan an exceptionally well- organised routine. n Leaders and staff create a fun atmosphere. For instance, older children challenged staff to a game of dodgeball. Staff and members of the leadership team willingly respond and organise a game. Staff and children laugh and play together. This reflects the very positive environment evident across the camp. n Leaders work very closely with staff caring for younger children. They help staff understand children's different learning styles and behaviour patterns, so these

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need to do better?

can be planned for effectively. Leaders role model effective strategies to engage children. This helps all children to become fully involved.

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need to do better?

5 August 2025 n Staff utilise every opportunity to encourage children to develop their range of skills and knowledge. For instance, younger children explore topics, such as 'Future Me'. They talk about the different jobs they would like to do when they are older. Staff and leaders actively participate in these discussions. They talk with enthusiasm about their roles and what they do when they are not working at camp, to help inspire children. Children listen attentively and many confidently explain what they would like to do, such as becoming a firefighter, vet, scientist, artist, chef and astronaut. Staff value these choices. They help children consider in greater detail what skills they might need for these roles and this helps to further extend the discussions between children and staff. n Staff skilfully adapt the programme to take account of all age groups, interests and abilities. This fully inclusive approach enables every child to take part and

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need to do better?

progress at their own level. For instance, younger children enjoy using go-karts and older, more confident children progress on to quad bikes. A specially-trained instructor supervises these activities well. Children have appropriate safety briefings to help them understand how to keep themselves and others safe. Children's behaviour during these activities is exceptionally good. They demonstrate responsibility and maturity as they patiently wait for their turn in a safe area away from the track. n Excellent attention is paid towards children's health and safety. Leaders carry out rigorous risk assessments and daily welfare checks across the camp. Supervision levels are excellent and group staff and leaders frequently carry out head counts and spontaneous safety checks throughout the day.

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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 127005 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10392184 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 204 Number of children on roll 139 Name of registered person Young World Leisure Group Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01480 467 567 Date of previous inspection 8 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Barracudas (Sevenoaks) registered in 2000. It runs from Walthamstow Hall in Sevenoaks, Kent. The camp runs during the Easter and summer holidays. It opens Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5.30pm, although extended day sessions can be booked in advance from 8am to 6pm. A team of 20 staff work with the children, some of whom hold qualified teacher status, and others who are qualified to degree level.

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Inspection activities

n The camp manager, early years manager and area manager explained to the inspector how the camp runs. n The inspector checked all areas of the school and its grounds used by camp and discussed how staff keep children safe. n Children spoke to the inspector and discussed what they enjoy doing at camp. n The inspector observed the range of activities taking place, inside and outside.

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Inspection activities

5 August 2025 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

5 August 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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