Mega Camps Tonbridge

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff warmly greet children at the start of the day. They are kind and enthusiastic towards the children, telling them about the day's planned activities at the camp.

Children demonstrate that they feel comfortable in the presence of the adults. Staff have learned the children's names, despite having known them for such a short time. This helps children to feel a sense of belonging.

Staff are skilled at responding to the emotional needs of young children, especially those children who are attending the club for the first time or those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) .They engage children ...in games that support friendships and confidence. Children thoroughly enjoy playing group games and delight in making new friends.

Behaviour at the camp is very good and staff set high expectations for this. Children are taught the rules and boundaries, and they are quick to recite them back to the leaders. Staff model respect and, consequently, children respect them, each other, and the resources.

Children mention that staff are so much fun, kind and make them laugh. They demonstrate that they enjoy being with the staff, who facilitate an exciting time at the camp.

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

High-quality staff interactions ensure that children feel valued and listened to.

Children help decide on the activities they would like to do next. Staff encourage children to think of games that they would like to play and explain the rules to their friends. This helps to raise children's self-esteem and confidence.

A key strength of the camp is the large amount of scope that is offered for physical activity. Children enjoy the opportunity to play outside and engage in physical play. Staff recognise the importance of providing a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

For example, children use their imaginations as they design and create craft boats to take home. They name their boats after pirate ships and the 'Titanic'.Leaders are reflective as they strive for continuous improvement for the camp.

They take into consideration the views of parents, staff and children. Staff mention that leaders and the director of the camp visit very regularly, which helps them to feel supported in their role. Training that staff have received as part of their induction process has contributed to their skills and fulfilment in their roles.

The camp is accessible for all children. Additional funding is sought to enable all children to access the camp. This has a positive impact on children who might otherwise be unable to attend.

Funding is also sought to provide support for children with SEND so that they can enjoy their time and have access to activities. Leaders ensure that detailed information is gathered from parents so that the necessary support is in place prior to children attending the camp. Staff are highly trained to prioritise the welfare of children.

For example, children are fully supervised when they are eating, and some staff have taken specialised training to allow children with medical needs to attend the camp. An effective registration and collection procedure ensures that children remain safe.Children show very high levels of concentration, curiosity and imagination.

Staff provide magnifying tools for children to use on a bug hunt. They encourage children to think about the natural world and the environment around them. Children are taught not to pick mushrooms, but they enjoy counting them and discussing where they have seen them before.

They delight in sharing a story about fairies who live in the trees.Children show good levels of independence and self-care skills. Staff praise children for persevering during games and activities.

They encourage children to try new things and do things for themselves. For example, children are shown how to use scissors correctly during a craft activity. Some children find this tricky but are gently encouraged by the staff to keep trying.

Children clearly demonstrate a sense of accomplishment and pride when they are successful in their task.

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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