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Early years · Early years inspection (EIF, requirements met)

Mega Camps Hornchurch

Inspected 14 Aug 2025 · URN EY550172

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Summary

What we read, and from where

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  • Group verified

    Mega Camps Ltd

  • Group reference verified

    RP534735

  • Inspection date verified

    14 Aug 2025

  • Inspectors verified

    Rehema Essop

  • Overall effectivenesssingle source

    Met

  • Previous overall verified

    Met

  • Postcode verified

    RM12 4YB

  • Name on report verified

    Mega Camps Hornchurch

  • URN verified

    EY550172

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

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Grade profile

Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2021.

  • OverallMet

90% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Met (3,163 inspections).

Tone of the report

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+80Very positivemore positive than 59% of reports of this type graded Met
MetNot met

In line with other reports of this type graded Met.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praisepositivestrongexcellentwarmsupportiveconsistentlyeffectivelythrive
Criticismnot alwaysconcerns

How the report reads, start to finish

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FindingsWhat needs to improveSafeguardingAbout the inspection positive critical
  • Findings481w+72
  • Safeguarding20w+50
  • What needs to improve194w+83

Strengths

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Concerns

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No strong criticism found.

Next steps

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What the report dwells on

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Anatomy of the report

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Pages
6
Words of findings
686
about usual (typical 729)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 39, typical 57
Average sentence
17 words
Next steps
8
typical 8
Hedged sentences
3%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 42%Safeguarding 2%What needs to improve 17%About the inspection 39%

Full report text

Inspection of Mega Camps Hornchurch Abbs Cross Health & Fitness, Abbs Cross Lane, Hornchurch RM12 4YB

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children are happy and safe here, where there is a strong emphasis on their well- being and happiness. Staff at the camp demonstrate a deep understanding of each child's individual needs, offering timely support and reassurance to ensure every child feels safe and valued. The camp manager sets a positive tone by engaging children in a discussion about camp rules, encouraging them to verbalise expectations, such as no kicking or pushing, promoting a healthy balance between fun and competition. Emphasis is placed on listening to coaches for safety, maintaining cleanliness and understanding emergency procedures, such as fire alarms.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Throughout the day, staff are organised and deployed to maintain a calm and structured atmosphere. Group games are thoughtfully led to ensure every child is included and actively participating. Children respond positively to guidance, with staff using praise and encouragement to support smooth transitions and routines. Staff engage with children at their level, fostering mutual respect and understanding. Staff value children's voices within the holiday camp, with well- established systems enabling them to express preferences and shape their day. The warm, nurturing relationships formed between staff and children contribute to a supportive, busy and active experience.

p.2

need to do better?

n Communication is a great strength here, with excellent back-and-forth interactions between children and adults. Staff are highly dedicated to ensuring children are well looked after and value working alongside other skilled and dedicated coaches, who share the same commitment. n Staff consistently model and promote positive behaviour throughout the day, creating a supportive and respectful environment. Children respond well to clear group rules and familiar routines, which help them understand boundaries and expectations. Staff engage with children sensitively, clearly communicating what is expected and allowing time for them to process and respond. They offer patient encouragement and celebrate children's successes, fostering confidence and cooperation. n Information gathered from parents is used effectively by staff to provide appropriate support tailored to each child's needs. When additional assistance is

p.2

need to do better?

required, management acts swiftly to engage external agencies, ensuring that every child receives the necessary help. Holiday activities and food funding is used appropriately to promote a fully inclusive environment, where all children can participate and thrive. n The camp offers a range of activities for children throughout the day. For

p.2

need to do better?

14 August 2025 example, they participate with enthusiasm as they learn fencing, attentively listening to the coach and following guidance. Staff respond promptly to any instances of challenging behaviour, offering clear explanations to help children understand expectations. This support enables children to cooperate effectively with each other and follow instructions with confidence. n There is a strong focus on positive health and well-being at the camp. Children learn how exercise and healthy food contributes to good health and that regular drink breaks help keep them hydrated. Staff encourage healthier choices and provide gentle reminders to families, aiming to reinforce the importance of balanced nutrition and support children in developing lifelong healthy habits. However, on occasion, snacks are not always healthy, impacting on the overall consistency of the camp's health message. n Children are actively encouraged to spend time outdoors in the fresh air, taking

p.2

need to do better?

exercise and playing team games. Younger children join in ring games with enthusiasm, team games help foster cooperation and a sense of belonging as children learn each other's names. They laugh and giggle together as they chase each other with staff praising their efforts, contributing to a warm and inclusive learning environment. n Staff speak highly of the leadership team and of the support they receive. Regular check ins and supervision meetings help them to develop their practice and share any concerns and worries. They share that accessing regular training helps them to develop their knowledge and strengthen their practice. This has contributed to a stable and motivated staff team that feels valued and supported. n The leadership and management team are highly reflective, consistently evaluating their practice to identify areas for growth and improvement that benefit children, parents and staff alike.

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 EY550172 Local authority Havering Inspection number 10410382 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 90 Number of children on roll 457 Name of registered person Mega Camps Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07876343914 Date of previous inspection 29 October 2021

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Mega Camps Hornchurch registered in 2017, and is one of a chain of privately run holiday schemes. The camp operates each weekday during school holidays from 8am to 6pm. The provider employs 10 members of staff. Of these, three hold a level 3 childcare qualification.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The camp manager 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 provider met with the inspector. Discussions included arrangements for the recruitment and support of staff, and safeguarding. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the provider about the leadership and management of the camp.

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

14 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

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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

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p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6

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