Mega Camps Tunbridge Wells

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the camp.

Staff greet them enthusiastically as they arrive. They encourage children to put away their own belongings and chat to them about the exciting activities that have been planned. Children who are new to the camp quickly settle and learn the names of other children through group games.

They are made to feel welcomed as staff play alongside them, eager to find out more about them. Staff work hard to find out children's interests before they arrive. This helps staff to plan activities and provide resources that children find enjoyable.

Staff are excellent role models. ...They are kind and warm towards the children, clearly demonstrating their enjoyment and passion for working with children. Staff provide children with the camp rules and explain why and how they must help keep themselves safe while they are having fun.

Children are polite and behave very well, showing a respect for staff, other children and the resources. Staff encourage children to mix with other children who they might have not met before. Children quickly make new friends and build on their communication and social skills.

Staff ensure that all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), have access to a large range of experiences during their time at the camp.

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

A key strength of the camp is the dedication that the leadership team has towards striving for excellence. It provides ongoing training and progression opportunities for staff and offers a high level of support, which helps staff to feel valued in their roles.

Children benefit from a rich range of exciting activities, some of which they may not previously have experienced. The camp leaders work closely with outside agencies to ensure that staff receive specific training to support children with SEND and for other vulnerable children to access the camp's programme.Parents provide extremely positive feedback about the camp.

They comment that they feel the camp is well-managed and that their children are safe and secure. They are given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences, and leaders use this information to adapt future camps or to provide new resources. Parents are given information on healthy eating ideas for packed lunches and are asked to provide other important information, such as dietary and medical needs.

Staff are committed to keeping children safe. Children are closely supervised in all activities. Staff receive specific training on how to use play equipment, such as large inflatables.

They deliver safety talks on the strict rules covering activities, such as archery. Children have a clear understanding of the boundaries at the camp. They confidently recite back the camp rules.

All children know that they must show respect and always be kind to each other.Younger children grow in confidence as they settle into the camp. Staff encourage them to contribute ideas for activities, which supports children's self-esteem and sense of belonging effectively.

Some children offer suggestions and explain to their new friends how to play a hiding game. The sound of laughter and squeals of excitement are heard throughout the camp as children form positive friendships with other children.Staff make sure that activities are refreshed each day.

They adapt the programme to support the different ages and capabilities of the children. This ensures that all children can participate. For example, during 'animal week', older children follow a more complicated snake pattern, which the younger children may find challenging.

Staff produce a template for a lion picture that younger children find less tricky. They use scissors to cut out the lion's mane. Staff supervise closely and offer help when needed.

Children demonstrate their delight as they carefully use the scissors and say, 'Oh wow! Look. I did that!' Staff provide ongoing opportunities for children to engage in physical play, both indoors and outdoors, regardless of the weather. Staff place a strong emphasis on promoting healthy choices.

For example, during mealtimes, they talk to children about healthy food choices. They regularly encourage children to drink water throughout the day.

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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