Atlas Camps Gloucester - Quedgeley

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive happy to see the staff and their friends and are eager to start having fun. Staff greet them and their parents on arrival and welcome them into the camp. This helps to build positive relationships and ensure children feel a sense of belonging.

Children have free choice to start and select games to play with their friends. For example, young children consider ways of solving problems as they construct a marble run. Children of different ages play well together and older children patiently listen as young children explain the rules of a game.

They form strong friendships and enjoy each other's company. Childr...en talk confidently together and with staff as they take part in art activities. Children demonstrate their enjoyment and take pride in their achievements.

For example, young children persevere with accurately aiming a ball for their team mate to catch it and punch the air with delight when they succeed. Staff and older children praise them, helping them to feel a valued member of the group. Children speak positively about their experiences at the camp.

They are eager to say which activities they enjoy and like that they can bring their own toys but know the responsibility to look after them is theirs.

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

Staff plan a flexible timetable of activities to enable children to make suggestions and lead how long they take part. Each morning children have good opportunities to say what they would like to do, and the activities which obtain most votes are included in the planning.

The senior management team are currently reviewing how to ensure all choices are considered and children have an extensive range to choose from, to keep them motivated.There is a strong focus on sports activities and children having a healthy lifestyle. Children excitedly take part in activities, such as Dodgeball, developing good control and coordination.

Staff use snacks and mealtimes to discuss with children the importance of healthy eating and care of their teeth. Children have plenty to drink and independently carry out their hygiene and care practices effectively.The manager has clear expectations of how staff should have high energy and provide good role models for children.

Staff confirm how well they are supported by all the senior management team. They receive regular training before each camp to ensure they understand how to implement the policies and procedures and meet children's individual needs. The manager provides good supervision and support for staff and has a good understanding of his responsibilities.

Children's behaviour is consistently good. They understand the staff's high expectations and listen well to instructions. Staff give them appropriate responsibilities and ask children to recall the camp's values.

Children comment on using 'kind hands, feet, and words'. They know they must be able to always see a coach and not go outside the boundaries. Staff are consistent with children and help them to understand alternative ways to do things, to have a better outcome.

They listen attentively to children and support them successfully in listening to others.Some staff also work in the local schools and get to know the children well. They liaise with teachers and parents to ensure they know how to meet children's individual needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Staff ensure an inclusive provision, where children engage fully at their own level. Older children are incredibly thoughtful and support the younger ones in achieving their goals, which builds their self-esteem and confidence to have a go. Children have a very positive awareness of their similarities and differences.

Parents speak highly of the staff, saying they are friendly and approachable. Some comment on their children being eager to come after attending camps before. Although parents exchange good information on their children's care and receive general information on what activities their children will be doing, they comment that they are unsure as to what they engage in each day.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and staff have a good understanding of safeguarding concerns and the procedures to follow to protect children's welfare. They all receive regular training to keep their knowledge up to date.

The company designated safeguarding lead provides additional support and guidance. Staff know how to assess risks, so that children can play safely. Everyday they talk to children about keeping themselves safe and regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedures.

They ensure children have understood safety rules before commencing sports activities and give them good opportunities to ask any questions. The provider carries out robust checks on staff to ensure they are suitable to work with children. Children feel safe and secure, and staff ensure they feel confident to go to them with any concerns.

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