Mega Camps Southend

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff ensure that children receive a warm welcome to the camp. This helps children to settle well and they become confident in their surroundings. Staff support children to make friends and work together as a team.

Children soon become familiar with the activities provided at the camp and form close attachments to staff. This gives children a sense of belonging. Children are happy and behave well.

They quickly learn the rules and expectations of the camp. Staff frequently remind them of the rules and what they expect of their behaviour at morning circle time and throughout the day. They remind children how to keep themselv...es safe during activities and to keep together when moving around the site.

Staff ensure that children are active and there is a good balance between quiet and physical activities. Staff talk to children about keeping their bodies healthy, through the food they eat and how much water they drink. Staff ask children to stop frequently and 'take three sips of water'.

This encourages children to drink and they line up to refill their water bottles during the day. Staff talk to children during dance sessions as they move around to music. They ask children to stop and notice how fast their hearts are beating to make them aware of the reaction of their bodies to activity.

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

Children have access to a wide variety of activities that change every day. Staff make sure all activities are adapted according to children's ages and abilities. They ensure that all activities are inclusive and meet the needs of all children.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities thrive in this camp as staff ensure that each child can take part.Children wear different coloured wristbands so that all staff know, for example, whether a child has allergies or additional needs. Children bring snacks and packed lunches from home and staff are vigilant, ensuring that children with allergies stay safe.

Staff work closely with parents and the local authority to ensure that children can participate in the camp's activities. Leaders ensure that the camp provides places for children in receipt of additional funding. The camp can offer one-to-one support for children, where necessary, to ensure all children are fully included.

Parents report that their children have thrived since joining the camp. They say that their children's communication skills have improved and their confidence has grown beyond their expectations. Parents say that their children ask when they can attend the camp and cannot wait to get there.

Some parents drive a long way to get to this camp as it benefits their children so much.Young children are excited to see their new friends and join the friendly and caring staff in interesting and fun activities. They enjoy circle games, such as 'Duck, duck, goose' and 'What's the time Mr.

Wolf?' They chase each other with delight and are keen to be the next key player. Younger and older children are eager to show visitors the creations they have made from paper and card, and beam with pride to receive praise for their work.Young children grow in confidence as they settle into regular days at the camp.

They are confident to stand up and sing to their friends in a group. Some children are keen to talk and sing holding a microphone. Staff use child-friendly resources that give children skills they would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn.

Children can engage in 'risky' activities, such as axe throwing and fencing, which are thoroughly supervised.There is a strong management team, who are extremely reflective and professional. They encourage staff to evaluate the activities and the care and learning they provide for the children.

Leaders ask staff, parents and children how well they are meeting their needs. They act on suggestions and are constantly striving to make improvements or enhancements to the provision.New staff go through rigorous recruitment procedures and training before they can work alongside other staff and children.

Leaders continuously check that staff are suitable to work with children. They check their health and well-being and ensure that staff are happy in their roles. They conduct daily briefing sessions and regular meetings with staff.

Staff receive regular supervision meetings and have access to ongoing training.

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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