Activ Camps At Wimbledon College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision does not meet requirements Children's welfare is compromised.

The provider has not considered how to manage the safety of children effectively, including when there are other users on the premises. At times, some children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who have just started attending, do not receive enough support to fully engage with activities or understand new routines. However, they know to seek assistance from staff who respond promptly when needed.

Despite weaknesses in the service, most children show that they enjoy the activities that staff implement. They gain confidence and make wider f...riendships during group activities and games. Children express their delight as they bounce on, and run through, large inflatables.

Children embrace the new challenges that staff provide, such as when they skilfully manoeuvre pedal karts. They further develop their coordination during ball games. Children show that they follow rules and understand staff expectations, such as during preparations for the well-planned swim sessions that they take great pleasure in joining.

Children manage their physical needs very well. They recognise when their hearts beat faster after active-play sessions. Children know to drink when they are thirsty and remove layers of clothing when hot.

Children build their confidence and develop independence. For example, they get changed for swimming, pack up after lunch and organise their swim bags.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

The provider does not ensure that the premises are secure.

On the day of the inspection, the inspector was able to enter the building unchallenged. Staff are not deployed to ensure that they are always aware of who is on the premises. At times, there is no one at the building entrance to check unknown adults who may enter the premises.

This heightens risks to children's safety.The provider does not support staff to understand how to manage risks sufficiently well in a shared-use building. During the inspection, there was a lack of clarity from leaders about arrangements to ensure children's safety in areas of the building used by other adults and children, who are not connected to the activity camp.

This poses a further risk to children's welfare.Staff interact with children in positive ways. They shout encouragement and have high expectations of children as they implement games and activities to develop children's coordination and balance.

Some children need more support from staff. Although children are supervised appropriately within their groups, key-person arrangements are not effective enough to help all children engage in activities or assist those who are new to the setting.Staff provide children with good opportunities to develop their social skills.

Children cheer each other on during games and acknowledge the achievements of their friends. Staff encourage children to help and respect each other. Children show that they understand the differing needs of their friends.

Children behave well. They listen to and follow instructions. Staff use methods such as rhythmic hand claps to gain the attention of children.

Children repeat the rhythmic claps, then very quickly settle down and listen to what is being said. Staff have age-appropriate discussions with children about how they can better respond if they become angry or upset. This helps to support children's emotional well-being.

Staff provide an inclusive service. Induction for children with a broad range of developmental needs is managed effectively, in liaison with their parents. Staff communicate well with each other to enable children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities to participate in activities.

However, when children very occasionally become distracted, including those who are less confident, there are few alternatives.Staff involve children in their daily evaluation of activities. They share information with parents about children's experiences and use feedback to improve and enhance the activities provided.

This helps staff to plan activities that children generally enjoy and engage with.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.Staff expose children to risks that compromise their safety.

In addition, some staff fail to implement the mobile phone policy consistently. Children's accidents and medication are managed effectively. Staff share information with parents, such as the requirement for photo identification and passwords, to ensure children's safe collection.

Robust swimming procedures help to ensure safe swim sessions for children. Staff complete training to update their safeguarding knowledge. They know how to respond if concerned that a child is at risk of harm or abuse or if concerned about the suitability of a colleague.

The provider has reviewed procedures and now implements appropriate vetting and suitability checks for staff, including obtaining a Disclosure and Barring Service check when required. However, leaders are unable to verify whether adults involved with the other organisation using the premises are suitably vetted.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date ensure that no one is able to enter the premises without the knowledge of staff 12/05/2023 improve risk assessments to ensure the safety and security of children, with particular regard to other users of the premises and shared areas.

12/05/2023

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