University of Cambridge Holiday Playscheme

Inspection of University of Cambridge Holiday Playscheme Trumpington Meadows Primary School, Kestrel Rise, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9AY

p.1

This provision meets requirements

Children are excited as they arrive at playscheme. Staff are prepared to welcome children and get them ready to start the day. Staff have formed strong bonds with children to help them feel safe and secure. Children explore various resources and activities to play. They build creative objects with interlocking construction pieces using their imagination. For example, young children build a large umbrella to use outdoors. This sparks deep discussions about the weather and what protective clothing children need to stay dry in the rain.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

Staff and leaders encourage children to share their feelings. Children confidently talk about how they feel and use visual aids to guide them. Staff are responsive and listen to children to help regulate their emotions. This helps children to feel valued and have respect for one another. Staff and leaders role model to children the ground rules at playscheme. Children demonstrate how to follow instructions when playing team games and positively challenge rules. As a result, children's behaviour is exceptional, and they learn boundaries. This supports children to build confidence and self-esteem in this nurturing environment.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff and leaders prioritise children's safety and well-being. They ensure that children are accounted for through regular communications and effective processes. Staff and leaders create an engaging environment that targets children's development. There is support in place for children who may have additional needs, effectively assessing strategies with parents so children make progress. n Children access various play areas. They deeply engage in outdoor play, where they play team games. Children explore in many ways to develop physical skills such as throwing and batting. They use rackets to strike balls in their teams and challenge opponents. This gives children opportunities to build on their stamina and gross motor skills. As a result, children positively learn how to play competitive games with one another. n Staff and leaders plan a broad and balanced curriculum for children. They introduce roles and responsibilities as children become older. For example, older

p.2

need to do better?

children participate in organisational tasks such as setting up activities and creating rules for games. This enhances children's engagement and encourages ways they can implement their ideas. n Staff feel supported at playscheme. They share that they have some opportunities to enhance their professional development. They positively discuss their roles and responsibilities and the ongoing support they receive from leaders. As a result, staff feel happy and enjoy the progression they can make at

p.2

need to do better?

20 August 2025 playscheme. n Children's dietary requirements are managed well to ensure their safety. There are procedures in place to highlight children's individual needs, and leaders and staff are fully aware of these. Children demonstrate that they understand when to wash their hands, such as at snack time and lunchtime and after using the toilet. This helps children to understand good self-care and hygiene practices. n Parents are complimentary of the playscheme. They share how children learn new skills and comment that children settle well. Parents say staff positively guide children in activities, contributing to a fun and safe environment. As a result, parents feel confident and reassured of the care children receive. n Leaders have robust safer recruitment processes to onboard staff at playscheme. Leaders support staff with ongoing training and are proactive in setting expectations. For example, staff undertake detailed inductions to equip them

p.2

need to do better?

with appropriate skills and knowledge to prioritise children's safety and welfare. n Staff and leaders ensure the premises are safe for all children. They carry out regular risk assessments and appropriately mark areas children can access. This helps children to see visually what spaces are accessible to them during operation. Staff and leaders have discussions with children about safety spaces they can use. As a result, children develop a deep sense of security during their play.

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 2737735 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10399529 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 72 Number of children on roll 208 Name of registered person University of Cambridge Governing Body

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07985735725 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The University of Cambridge Holiday Playscheme registered in 2023. It operates during the holidays, except for Christmas holidays, from 8.15am to 5.45pm. The playscheme employs 29 members of staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3 and one holds qualified teacher status.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The nominated individual joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the activities offered. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual and the manager about the leadership and management of the playscheme. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at the playscheme. n The inspector spoke to staff at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the club with the inspector. n The nominated individual provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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

20 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