Barracudas (Chigwell)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are warmly welcomed by happy, caring and enthusiastic staff. The club is extremely exciting and organised. Children arrive eager and motivated to explore the activities planned.

Children are well supervised as they settle in their base rooms. Staff are kind and caring towards the children and speak respectfully and reassuringly to them. They help them organise their personal belongings.

Therefore, children settle quickly. Children start their day with a group discussion. Staff remind them of the expectations and safety rules of club and the activities available throughout the day.

There is a strong focus ...on the young children's welfare. Staff are keen to ensure they are confident and happy and that their individual needs are fully met. Children enjoy an interactive, favourite story before they start their day of fun.

Children are grouped into appropriate age groups. Young children have established bonds with their key staff members. Children of mixed ages play well together and have made friendships.

Older children are positively encouraged to help the younger ones. All come together at lunchtime and enjoy meeting up with their siblings and older friends to discuss what they have been doing. Children's behaviour is very good.

They sit comfortably and relaxed as they make Easter cards. They use a variety of creative resources. They spend time socialising and chatting with their friends as they colour and stick.

They demonstrate pride in their creations and staff praise them for their achievements.

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

A secure online booking system enables parents to share relevant information to ensure continuity of care for the children attending. This includes dietary needs, medication and any additional support their children may require.

In addition, they complete 'All About Me' flags that are displayed within the base rooms. These include details of the activities completed for the day.Thorough risk assessments are completed for all indoor activities and the multi-sports activities provided.

Staff explain the rules of the games and remind children how to stay safe. Children listen intently and show an eagerness to take part. The day is very organised and packed with a programme of activities that children choose.

For example, younger children enjoy learning the skills they need ready for a game of football. Dodgeball is exceptionally popular. Children relish their time collecting items on a 'journey stick' as they participate in woodland walks.

These are displayed within their base rooms along with other creations. Children's achievements are praised and celebrated.Children's emotional well-being is fully supported.

For example, staff complete welfare checks throughout the day. They remind children to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and ensure they have visited the bathroom. Children can sit comfortably and receive good interaction from the staff.

They enjoy group games and singing as they relax in preparation for lunch.Barracudas at Chigwell is one of many within the company and is run by the directors and area managers who are very 'hands on'. They are organised and professional and value their team of staff.

A stringent recruitment process, induction programme, training and support ensures staff are confident in their role and are fully equipped to care for the children attending. Extra training is provided for staff for specific supporting activities, such as archery. An online training programme is available to all staff and is positively supported.

Staff practice is observed and monitored regularly.Parents say they feel reassured leaving their children at the club. They say they appreciate the information provided on the club's online app and website.

Parents comment that the staff are very caring and that their children have a 'great time' and that they feel fully informed about their child's day.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.Children's safety is a priority.

Robust systems are in place to ensure their welfare is protected. The management team and staff demonstrate a sound knowledge of how to protect children's well-being. A stringent recruitment and vetting procedure means children are cared for by staff who are suitable to do so.

Staff complete safeguarding training before they start at the club to ensure they are familiar with the policies, including the whistle-blowing policy, and the process to follow should they have a concern. The staff are aware of where to report any concerns to protect the children in their care. This includes the wider aspects of child protection, such as county lines and the 'Prevent' duty.

Also at this postcode