Camp Beaumont - Berkhamsted

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision does not meet requirements Managers do not consistently ensure that the required qualification requirements are met. This means that the children are not always cared for by appropriately qualified staff.

Furthermore, during some parts of the day, some of the children's behaviour deteriorates. For example, on one occasion, a child was observed using their lunch bag to strike another child. On a further occasion, a child used the soft-play equipment to try to knock a child over.

This potentially compromises the well-being of other children. Additionally, as noise levels increase, some of the younger children become distressed. Nevertheless, c...hildren are warmly greeted by the staff on their arrival.

They are shown where to place their personal belongings and eagerly join their friends, who are busy completing colouring and dot-to-dot activities. Children are then provided with a range of activities during the day. They have lots of fun playing games, such as 'Duck, duck, goose', which supports the children effectively to follow instructions and learn the rules of the game.

Staff support the children to continue to develop their creative and imaginative skills. Children colour and use collage materials to decorate Halloween masks and enthusiastically build tall constructions using large foam blocks.

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

Managers have not ensured that all requirements of registration are met.

Strategies to manage children's behaviour are not always effective. Staff are not suitably qualified. Permission is sought from parents when their child requires medication, along with details of the medicine and dosage to be given.

When parents collect their children they are advised what, when and how much medication has been given so that they are fully aware. However, the manager does not ensure that the required written record following the administration of medication is completed.Managers implement induction procedures where staff learn about their role and responsibilities, receive child protection training and are taught how to implement the club's activities.

Additionally, staff attend camp 'set-up days'. This supports staff to become familiar with the school site and is used to further refresh and enhance staff's knowledge and skills.A range of information is gathered from parents before their children attend the club.

For example, detailed information is obtained regarding children with known food allergies and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The designated special educational needs coordinator then ensures that this information is used to tailor care to each child's individual needs. This enables children to join in and play alongside their friends.

Children thoroughly enjoy being physically active in the fresh air. They cheer on their friends during running and hopping races, celebrating everyone's achievement by clapping at the end of the activity. Staff plan activities, such as the 'Mini Olympics' which supports children's developing physical skills effectively.

Children are shown how to balance on the stilts, to jump over the hurdles and to kick the ball into the goal.Staff engage in conversations with the children and take an interest in what they are doing. They read stories to the children.

Staff use animated voices, which helps to maintain the children's attention. Children listen well, show an interest in the illustrations, answer questions and eagerly recite familiar phrases from the story.Staff have kind relationships with the children, which supports children's emotional security.

When asked, children state that they enjoy their time at the club. They proudly show their artwork to visitors and confidently talk about what they have made.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Managers and staff have completed child protection training. They are able to recognise potential signs of abuse and know how to report concerns about a child's welfare. This includes reporting any concerns they have about adults who work with the children.

Managers follows secure recruitment procedures to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. Daily checks are made to ensure the premises are safe. The premises are secure.

Staff closely monitor the entrance door during busy arrival and collection times, and procedures are in place to ensure children are collected by known adults. Effective risk assessment procedures are in place to support activities, such as swimming.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage, the provider must: Due date ensure required qualification requirements are consistently met 01/12/2023 review the organisation of routines to support the positive behaviour of children, this includes ensuring noise levels remain consistent throughout the day 01/12/2023 ensure a record is maintained of all medication administered to children.

01/12/2023