Barracudas Watford

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children enter the club happily and feel welcomed. They know where to put their things, and chat to staff who greet them warmly.

Children enjoy taking part in lively sports activities, as staff set up a mini Olympics. Children carefully listen to instructions as they pass balls between them in a line, racing against their friends. Staff seek children's opinions so that they can shape the day to their choices.

For example, children choose to spend more time outside playing mini Olympics, and to take part in craft activities later in the day. Staff give children clear instructions to help them learn how to take part safely. ...For example, children throw foam javelins, taking care to throw away from their friends.

They clap excitedly when they see how far they have thrown them.Staff plan and provide lively and fun group games for children, which help them to develop concentration and to work as a team. Children take part in these with enthusiasm.

They enjoy shaking objects across a parachute, and lift the parachute high into the air as others run underneath it and swap places. Behaviour is managed consistently well. Children can see the rules on displays around the camp, and staff remind them of expectations.

Any incidents are managed with minimal fuss as staff help children remember to share and to work cooperatively with their friends. Children are polite and cooperate well with each other. They thoroughly enjoy their time at the camp.

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

The leaders of the camp have secure oversight of the quality of provision offered. They know the needs of the staff team well and offer support for staff to complete training that will increase their skills. Staff report that they enjoy working at the camp, and this helps them to be enthusiastic with the children.

The camp also has a high level of staff retention.Staff have a robust induction to help them to recognise and respond to any concerns about children. They have access to relevant training with a broad range of specialist courses for staff who hold specific roles, such as lifeguards and coaches.

There are good support systems in place for staff, including to help staff with their emotional well-being.Staff supervise children to promote their safety. They carefully escort children to the toilets, while providing respectful distance to respect their privacy.

However, they remain on hand to support any children who may need extra help. Staff are vigilant about children's well-being, ensuring they have hats and suncream in the sun. Staff ensure children take regular breaks for water so they keep hydrated.

Children have the opportunity to take part in exciting experiences, such as archery, dance and drama classes and swimming. These activities are firmly risk assessed. Equipment is checked regularly to ensure that all items are located and in good order.

Areas where children take part in these activities are securely checked and all activities are run by staff who have relevant training. Staff show children how to handle equipment safely, and remind them about the importance of listening to instructions. As a result, children take part in interesting experiences, which are delivered safely to protect their well-being.

Parents report that they are very happy with the care that their children receive at the camp. They always feel that their children have interesting things to do, and that they always seem happy when they collect them. They appreciate the consistency in staffing at the camp, and that they see staff they recognise.

Children have good opportunities to be creative. For example, they use clay to make models that represent different aspects of the Olympic Games. Children talk proudly about the different things they have made, including a surfer on a surfboard and the Olympic rings.

Staff show great interest in the things children have made, which supports all children's self-esteem.

Safeguarding

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

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