Active Camps - Cambridge

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are keen and excited to attend the club.

They laugh and chat with their friends and the staff. Children have lots of opportunities to be physically active. They make good use of the large sports hall and playing field.

Staff support children sensitively on their first day and encourage them to take part in team games. Younger children work on their balancing skills as they complete the outdoor obstacle courses. Children demonstrate they feel secure in the club.

They approach visitors and chat confidently with them about their 'googly-eyed monster' pictures. Children independently check they have all their... swimming equipment ready for their swimming lesson. They are developing good skills of independence and self-reliance.

Children work well together as they share resources to make individual parachutes. They design a parachute that will deliver an egg safely to the ground when dropped from the 'watch tower'. Children cheer each other and are also competitive.

Children are polite and behave well in the club. They say 'thank you' to staff when they help them with their lunch boxes. Children have a good knowledge of the rules and what they need to do.

Staff help children to understand how to stay safe. For example, they stay together in a line while walking to the swimming pool, and they listen to the lifeguard.

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

The management team is passionate about the provision.

They want to continually improve for the benefit of the children. The manager is highly visible in the club, which enables him to really know what is happening. He sees how best to deploy the staff and where some might need more coaching or support.

The manager ensures that robust recruitment procedures are followed when new staff join the club. Staff have clear induction training to help them understand their roles and responsibilities, and to help evaluate the service they provide. Staff say they love working at the club and they welcome the opportunity to progress with their professional development.

Staff ask parents for information about children, including their likes and dislikes. This helps staff to support children and build positive relationships when they start at the club.Leaders are firmly focused on supporting children's health.

They provide lots of sporting activities, which children enjoy. They help children learn about healthy lifestyles and the importance of being physically active. Children understand the need for good hygiene practises.

They wash their hands on entry to the club, after using the toilet and before eating. Children have continuous access to fresh drinking water throughout the day.Children say, 'the staff are really kind' and that they 'love coming' to the club.

They talk about how there is always so much to do and that they like all the activities. Children explain that they can give their views on the club, such as activities and games to play. This shows that staff value and act on children's feedback.

Leaders are knowledgeable about their responsibilities to keep children safe. They know the procedure to follow if a child has an accident. Staff ensure medical supplies and children's emergency medication are always on hand.

The manager completes risk assessments on all activities to ensure they are appropriate and safe for all children.Children enthusiastically catch and pass a ball during 'dodgeball', which helps to develop their physical abilities. They learn skills which help them to be good team players, take turns and have patience.

Staff encourage and consistently praise children for their efforts to further promote their self-esteem.Staff supervise children very effectively throughout the day. They communicate with each other constantly to ensure all staff know how many children are present.

Staff take every opportunity to engage with children positively. Children actively seek out staff to share their experiences. For example, children are eager to share the 'novel' they have written about a member of staff.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Staff have a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Staff know the signs that may indicate a child is at risk from extremist views or behaviours.

They know how to report any concerns to the designated safeguarding lead. The management team has an excellent understanding of reporting procedures relating to concerns about children or adults. All staff regularly update their safeguarding training to ensure their knowledge remains current.

Staff supervise children very closely. They assess risks throughout the day as activities change. They ensure unknown adults cannot come into unsupervised contact with children.

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