Camp 4 Champs at Notley High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children arrive at the holiday camp excited and eager to explore and participate in the activities on offer. They are greeted by happy, enthusiastic staff, who help them settle and organise their personal belongings.

Children come together in a large group at the start of the day, so that the staff can remind them of the expectations and safety rules of the camp. They discuss the fun and stimulating multi-sports and craft activities planned, both indoors and outdoors. Children are grouped into appropriate age groups.

They are assigned a buddy if they are new to the camp and a coach for the day. Children are confident, happ...y and settle quickly, keen to get busy.Younger children start their day and have immense fun using the parachute in a large hall.

They are fully supported by staff members as they manage the parachute with skill. They listen to the instructions, practising their large physical skills, as they join in the games. They squeal with laughter as they crawl under the parachute to escape the 'shark'.

They relax as they sit and make crafts using a variety of 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.

Children are excited to use the 'tuck shop' at break time. Alternatively, they are offered healthy choices of fruit and water to drink. An effective key-person system is in place.

Young children established close bonds with their key person. Children of mixed ages play well together and have made good friendships. The older children are very helpful and caring towards the younger ones.

They help them in their activities. Children's behaviour is good.

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

Children enjoy their time at the camp.

They arrive excitedly and are keen to explore the fun activities provided. Staff are caring and know the children well. Parents 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.Staff speak to the children with respect and have good interactions with them. They explain the rules of the games and sport activities provided.

Children listen with intent and show an eagerness to take part. The day is very organised and packed with a programme of activities. For example, younger children enjoy cutting out prompts for a 'bear hunt', fully supported by the staff, in preparation for a familiar interactive story time.

They dress up in role-play costumes. They can choose toys and chat with friends between organised activities.Parents say they feel reassured leaving their children at the camp.

They comment that the camp is a 'life-saver'. They say that the children have a fun time, are offered a wide variety of activities and are keen to attend. Parents comment that their children are happy and settled, and that the children are usually exhausted at the end of the day.

Parents welcome the personal handover when they collect their children.The camp is one of several within the company, and is run by the directors and managers who are very hands on. They are organised and professional and value their staff team.

A thorough recruitment process, induction programme, training and support ensures staff are confident in their role and are fully equipped to care for the children attending. Ongoing training is positively supported, and staff practice is regularly monitored. Staff comment that they enjoy their work and feel valued and part of a team where their ideas are welcomed.

The key-person system is effective, and young children are cared for well by caring staff. They can cuddle favourite toys from home until they feel ready to join in. Children's emotional well-being is supported.

For example, staff offer reassurance and cuddles if required. However, there are no comfortable spaces to relax at this time should they want to sit quietly.Children enjoy the social aspect of snack and mealtimes.

They sit with their friends or siblings and discuss what they have been doing. They bring packed lunches or are provided with freshly prepared meals. Healthy choices are encouraged.

Fruit and water are offered throughout the day. Children are very confident and independent and take care of their own personal needs, however, staff are on hand to fully support as required.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The managers and staff demonstrate a secure knowledge of how to protect children's well-being. They speak comprehensively of their understanding of possible signs and behaviours that may suggest a child is at risk from harm. This includes the wider aspects of child protection, such as county lines and the 'Prevent' duty.

The staff complete training before they start at the camp to ensure they are familiar with the camp's policies, and the process to follow should they have a concern. Staff are aware of who to report any concerns to. A robust recruitment and vetting procedure means children are cared for by staff who are suitable to do so.

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