Early years · Early years inspection (EIF, requirements met)
Barracudas (Croydon)
Summary
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- Group verified
Young World Leisure Group Limited
- Group reference verified
RP900856
- Inspection date verified
12 Aug 2025
- Inspectors verified
Jenny Selvakumaran
- Overall effectivenesssingle source
Not met
- Previous overall verified
Met
- Postcode verified
CR9 7AT
- Name on report verified
Barracudas (Croydon)
- URN verified
EY331030
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
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Grade profile
Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2021.
- OverallNot met
10% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Not met (3,163 inspections).
Tone of the report
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In line with other reports of this type graded Not met.
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How the report reads, start to finish
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Strengths
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Concerns
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- Staff are alert to changes in children's behaviour or well-being that could signal children are at risk of harm. p.2
- This means that, at times, children's safety is compromised. p.2
- However, leaders do not always ensure that the procedures for managing concerns around allegations are followed effectively. p.2
- The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective. p.3
Next steps
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- Leaders and managers carry out comprehensive risk assessments across all areas of the camp. p.2
- However, they do not ensure that all staff fully understand their responsibilities. p.2
- As a result, risk assessments are not applied consistently. p.2
- Although leaders have a knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, these are not always followed effectively. p.2
- This means that children's welfare is not always fully assured and potential risks may not be addressed promptly. p.2
- Staff receive training and induction, but leaders do not check that staff's knowledge remains secure. p.2
- Despite this, children enjoy their time at the camp. p.2
- They have fun taking part in a wide range of sports, such as tennis, swimming and archery. p.2
What the report dwells on
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Teaching & assessment5
“implement risk assessments effectively at all times 12/09/2025” p.3
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 7
- Words of findings
- 754
- about usual (typical 804)
- Reading level
- Fairly hard
- Flesch 51, typical 53
- Average sentence
- 13 words
- Next steps
- 8
- typical 8
- Hedged sentences
- 9%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
Inspection of Barracudas (Croydon) Trinity School, Shirley Park, CROYDON CR9 7AT
p.1
This provision does not meet requirements
Leaders and managers carry out comprehensive risk assessments across all areas of the camp. However, they do not ensure that all staff fully understand their responsibilities. As a result, risk assessments are not applied consistently. Although leaders have a knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, these are not always followed effectively. This means that children's welfare is not always fully assured and potential risks may not be addressed promptly. Staff receive training and induction, but leaders do not check that staff's knowledge remains secure.
p.2
This provision does not meet requirements
Despite this, children enjoy their time at the camp. They have fun taking part in a wide range of sports, such as tennis, swimming and archery. This helps them to develop coordination, balance and teamwork skills. Staff carefully structure activities to help children to progress steadily in their abilities. Staff set clear expectations for children's behaviour and reinforce them consistently. They display rules in rooms and repeat them at the start of each session, covering routines, such as tidying up, listening and being kind. This helps children to understand boundaries and behave respectfully. Parents and carers value the information they receive, such as the timetable for the day.
p.2
need to do better?
n Leaders risk assess the activities on offer. They consider changes in conditions that could impact how activities are run. For example, in very hot weather, they provide a gazebo for shade. Staff are trained to check higher risk activities to manage potential hazards. However, on occasion, staff do not fully follow the risk assessments. This means that, at times, children's safety is compromised. n Staff are alert to changes in children's behaviour or well-being that could signal children are at risk of harm. However, leaders do not always ensure that the procedures for managing concerns around allegations are followed effectively. This means that children's welfare is not always fully protected, as potential risks may not be identified or addressed promptly. n Staff complete a thorough induction, including training about the camp's premises, health and safety, and how to run activities. This helps them to
p.2
need to do better?
understand what is expected in their role when they begin working at the club. However, leaders do not consistently check that staff maintain current skills and knowledge, such as through regular supervision sessions. This means that staff are unable to carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively at all times. n Children are extremely focused and engaged throughout the day. They concentrate fully during activities, such as dancing, art and ball games. Children receive choices about what to do, which helps them to follow their interests and feel a sense of independence. This encourages children to explore and build
p.2
need to do better?
12 August 2025 confidence when trying new challenges. n Staff manage children's behaviour well. They use simple strategies, such as children passing a puppet to show whose turn it is to speak. Staff praise children for following rules and routines. As a result, children respond positively to expectations and help to maintain a calm and orderly environment. n There is a good key-person system in place. Staff know children's needs and adapt activities so all children can take part fully. They use strategies, such as sensory tools and extra rest breaks, to help children to engage confidently. Staff work closely with parents to provide tailored support. As a result, children feel included, supported and secure. They enjoy their time at the camp. n Children have lots of opportunities to develop their creativity. They make puppets and enjoy creating stories with them. Staff introduce new language, such as 'comedy' and 'tragedy,' which builds children's vocabularies and deepens
p.2
need to do better?
children's understanding of ideas. Staff encourage children to experiment with different art materials and techniques and talk about what they have made. This helps children to think creatively and develop their imaginations. n Staff promote healthy habits. They encourage children to drink water and keep hydrated. Staff also remind children to use sunscreen and wear hats outdoors. Children wash their hands under staff's supervision after being outside and before meals. These routines help children to stay comfortable and develop habits that support their long-term well-being.
p.3
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.
p.3
Safeguarding
There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.
p.3
Due date
implement risk assessments effectively at all times 12/09/2025
p.3
Due date
ensure that staff and leaders have a secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures, including how to respond effectively when allegations are made 12/09/2025
p.3
Due date
12 August 2025 improve supervision arrangements to make sure that staff have appropriate knowledge, skills and understanding to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. 12/09/2025
p.3
Setting details
Unique reference number EY331030 Local authority Croydon Inspection number 10416324 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises
p.5
Registers
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care
p.5
inspection
Total number of places 220 Number of children on roll 156 Name of registered person Young World Leisure Group Limited
p.5
reference number
Telephone number 01480 467 567 Date of previous inspection 12 August 2021
p.5
Information about this early years setting
Barracudas (Croydon) is one of 47 provisions run by Young World Leisure Group Ltd. It registered in 2006 and operates from Trinity School in Croydon, Surrey. The camp is open during the Easter and summer holidays, Monday to Friday, from 8am until 6pm. There are 40 members of staff who work with children, four of whom are qualified teachers.
p.5
Inspection activities
n We carried out this inspection as a result of a risk assessment, following information we received about the provider. n The area manager and manager took the inspector on a tour of the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed children's daily routines and activities, and their interactions with staff. n Discussions and meetings were held with the manager, staff and senior leaders during the inspection. n Children talked to the inspector about their interests and activities. n A sample of documentation was viewed during the inspection, including evidence of staff's suitability and first-aid certificates. n Parents shared their views of the care that their children receive at the camp.
p.6
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.6
Inspection activities
12 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.6
Inspection activities
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p.7
Inspection activities
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p.7
Inspection activities
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p.7
Inspection activities
T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted
p.7
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