Barracudas Colchester

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements The enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff happily greet children on arrival. They are welcomed into a very well-organised holiday club that is designed to offer children a broad range of exciting and fun experiences. Children eagerly arrive and are keen to start their day.

They leave their parents with ease as they happily chat to their friends and the familiar staff. The team of staff know the children well. They take time to ensure all relevant information is in place, including the children's interests, before they attend.

There is a strong focus on the young children's welfare. Staff are keen to ensure they are conf...ident and happy and that their individual needs are fully met. An effective key-person system is in place and children have established close and trusting bonds with their familiar adult.

The staff are caring and offer children reassurance when needed. Children are grouped into different age groups and located in a base room. Here, children can organise their personal belongings.

Their artwork and creations are displayed, creating a sense of belonging. Children start the day with a group discussion and story. They are gently reminded of the club's expectations, and activity safety rules to ensure they stay safe.

The timetable of the day's activities is also discussed, and children can make choices about what they want to do. Staff are calm and nurturing and are good role models. Children's behaviour is very good.

They are confident and settled. For example, they engage visitors to the club in their conversations as they excitedly explain they are having a 'dress up' day and discuss what they are going to wear.

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

Children have immense fun at the holiday club.

The fully inclusive environment is extremely well organised. While it operates over a large secure site, there is a friendly, calm, and cosy atmosphere throughout. Children fully engage in activities of their choice.

Staff are skilful in their interactions. Children have made friendships and work well together. For example, they negotiate how to make a fort, using construction, and take turns when using the large parachute.

They also learn the skills to work as a team as they participate in skittle ball.Children also enjoy quieter activities after a busy morning or after meals. For example, they sit and relax and enjoy stories of their choice.

They show sustained concentration as they participate in creative activities. They draw pictures and make models of things important to them to store in a 'time capsule' that will be opened at the next summer camp.The club is one of many within the company, which are run by directors and regional managers who are very 'hands on'.

They are very organised and professional. 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. Staff morale is good, and they speak positively about their role.

They say they feel very supported and valued as part of a team. Staff retention is good and many return for the next holiday season.Robust risk assessments are completed and evaluated each day to ensure children's safety during activities.

Extra training is provided for staff for specific supporting activities, such as the role of lifeguard or the delivery of archery sessions. An online training programme is also readily available to all staff and is positively supported. The management team routinely observe staff practice to ensure it meets the high expectations of the company.

Children's emotional well-being is fully supported. For example, staff are respectful of how children may be feeling and are offered reassurance if they feel anxious or sad. Children have ample opportunities to keep hydrated throughout the day as drinking water is readily available.

They are supported as required when using the bathroom and are made comfortable if they feel tired.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 incudes activities completed for the day. In addition, a secure QR code system in place ensures the children's safety on collection.

Parents speak very highly of the 'trusted' team of staff, and the incredible activities provided. Several commenting that they travel long distances just to attend each year. Parents say the programme of activities are 'fantastic', commenting how their child's confidence in the water and swimming has improved since attending.

Parents express their complete satisfaction in the communication at the end of the day and say their children return home 'beaming' and full of excitement to return the next day.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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