Barracudas (Huntingdon)

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children at the camp are happy. They make new friends each time they attend and they tell visitors about the fun they have.

Children join in with a range of activities and are confident to ask for help when needed. Staff offer encouragement and support. Children develop their self-confidence and try out new things.

They share their joy and excitement when they achieve their goal. When building a den, children jump up and down, shouting 'Look, I did it', sharing their experiences and achievements with peers.Children demonstrate excellent behaviour while at the camp, that is supported by staff's outstanding modelling.
...r/>They listen carefully to leaders and follow instructions well. Children are polite to each other and show respect for staff and children around them. For example, they make sure peers have space and move themselves, so that everyone has room to sit.

They take turns and share resources exceptionally well.Children learn about healthy eating and how to look after their bodies. They collect stars for each fruit snack they eat at camp.

Children and staff talk about the healthy foods in their lunch boxes and what foods help their bodies to grow big and strong.

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

The camp provides children with a well-supported settling-in process. Parents share information before children begin, highlighting any areas where children may need extra help.

Staff are aware of children's needs and interests and plan activities and routines to suit each group. This means, children settle quickly and are happy to separate from parents. Children who regularly attend the camp build relationships with staff and settle in very well.

They learn and develop over time, increasing their confidence and independence and learning new skills.Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included and provided with additional support if they need it. Parents report that their children are well supported at the camp.

They have developed strong relationships with members of staff and their children are very happy to attend. The management team provide children with a calm sensory area that they can use when needed. Staff have previous experience of working with children with SEND and they use their knowledge and good practice at the camp.

They provide children with a safe and comfortable place to explore and learn.Children are allocated a key person when they join the camp. This person is known as the group leader.

Parents comment that their children's key persons provides them with feedback at the end of the day and if they need to speak with them at any time, they know they can ask to see them. Parents explain that the communication from staff is fantastic and they are confident their children are safe and well looked after at the camp.Children engage in activities of their interest.

When given the choice, a small group of children choose 'bench ball'. They are enthusiastic and enjoy working in teams to win the game. Staff play alongside the children.

They provide support and encourage children to keep trying. Children develop their confidence and team building skills. Staff model excellent behaviours and communication, demonstrating to children how they can play.

The camp has a robust procedure for safety and risk assessments. Management work with the school to ensure the site is kept safe and secure for all children. Risk assessments are carried out for each activity and staff are provided with activity safety cards to remind them of the risks and safety measures.

Only staff with specific training are able to lead high-risk activities, such as fencing and dance. This ensures children are kept safe at all times during the camp.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff have an excellent knowledge of safeguarding. They are confident to discuss the signs of abuse and know who to contact if they have any concerns about a child at the camp. Staff carry safeguarding information on the lanyards they wear and safeguarding procedures and contact details are displayed around the setting.

Therefore, all staff have access to information should they need to report any concerns. Staff attend regular training to keep their knowledge up to date. If they have concerns about another member of staff, they are confident to follow the camp's whistle-blowing policy.

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