The Strings Club - Balham Holiday Camp

Inspection of The Strings Club - Balham Holiday Camp Trinity St. Marys C Of E Primary School, 6 Balham Park Road, London SW12 8DR

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the club. They happily arrive, ready and eager to start their day. Staff are warm, nurturing and highly responsive to children's needs. They take the time to listen and make each child feel valued. This reflects the strong and positive relationships staff build with children. Children express how much they enjoy coming to the club and comment that the 'teachers are so nice' and that they enjoy learning how to play an instrument.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

At the start of each day, the staff explain the day's routines and introduce themselves to the children. They talk to the children about the rules and expectations while at the camp. This helps to support children's behaviour and promotes their safety. For example, children remind each other that the club is nut free and to respect each other. Children's behaviour is excellent.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

The leadership team and staff are passionate about providing all children with unique and interesting ways to learn about music and musical instruments. Children laugh and smile when teachers pretend to forget how to play the ukulele. Children confidently explain the correct way to play this instrument and 'remind' the teacher that the ukulele has a 'head, neck, body and strings'.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff are attentive to children's care needs. For example, they ensure that all children have access to drinking water and help them when they need support with self-care. Children confidently go to the 'hydration station' when they feel thirsty. Staff ensure that children engage in hygienic routines, such as washing their hands thoroughly before meals. This promotes children's physical health. n The leadership team are highly committed to creating an inclusive environment. They have effective systems in place to ensure children with special educational needs and/or disabilities feel valued and included. They gather detailed information about every child's individual needs and prepare an environment that will meet these needs. Staff provide children with support to manage their behaviour and quickly adapt routines where necessary. For example, when children become overwhelmed at any point, staff provide a quiet, gentle space

p.2

need to do better?

to do an activity that they know children will enjoy. This tailored approach helps to create a nurturing and respectful environment. n Parents speak extremely highly of the staff and the service the club provides. They comment that their children thoroughly enjoy attending and they are 'big fans' of the setting. Parents explain that their children have made a great deal of progress with their musical skills. Communication between parents and the setting is strong. Parents complete detailed registration forms before every club,

p.2

need to do better?

4 August 2025 regardless of if they have attended before. Parents greatly appreciate the daily in-depth feedback forms, explaining the day their children have had and what new skills they have learned. n Staff provide children with plenty of opportunities to be creative. Children remain focused and motivated as they spend time at the arts and crafts table. They proudly show the inspector the 'house' they designed using cardboard, coloured paper and feathers. Staff are enthusiastic and show genuine interest in what children have to say. They play alongside children, which creates a fun and connected atmosphere. For example, when spending time in the sand area, staff declare that they are 'expert sandcastle creators', which keeps children fascinated and they consider what to create next. n The leadership team and staff place high importance on keeping children safe. They have strong recruitment, training and induction procedures in place to

p.2

need to do better?

ensure they always maintain children's safety and welfare. Robust procedures are in place for dropping off and collecting children to ensure their safety. Staff ensure that the premises are safe and suitable for children. They complete daily risk assessments and take action when hazards are identified. Staff receive regular training to keep their knowledge up to date. They value the consistent support and guidance from the leadership team. n Children have access to a large playground, which helps them to embrace a healthy lifestyle. For example, outside, children choose what games and activities to get involved in, such as ball games, climbing and group games. They follow staff's instructions with confidence and laugh and giggle with excitement as they cooperate and work as a team with their peers. This further develops children's gross motor skills and general physical development.

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 2727019 Local authority Wandsworth Inspection number 10392377 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 40 Number of children on roll 102 Name of registered person The Strings Club Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 0121 296 9204 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The Strings Club–Balham registered in 2023. The setting is based in Trinity St Marys CE Primary School, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. The club opens Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5.30pm, during the school holidays. There are five members of staff, including the camp manager. Of these, two hold a relevant childcare qualification at level 2. Two members of staff hold specialist music qualifications.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector and the leaders completed a tour of the setting, both indoors and outdoors, to understand how the play environment is organised. n The inspector observed children playing throughout the inspection and observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector spoke to leaders and staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents and children shared their views, and the inspector took these into account. n The inspector held a meeting with the leadership team and looked at relevant documentation and evidence of staff suitability.

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

4 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.

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