Super Camps At Duncombe School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children appear happy and safe.

They are busy and show interest in the activities on offer. Children have plenty of fun taking part in themed play, such as an 'Alien Treasure Hunt'. They are excited as they run around a small, wooded area, searching for items left by pretend creatures from outer space.

Children are very keen to tell others what they have found, such as a piece of bark which is part of a rocket ship.Children respond well to visiting adults and are very eager to talk about what they are doing. They show their vivid imaginations when asked what they think aliens look like.

They talk about how they sa...w a 'green thing' and tell adults how 'one came to my house'. Independence is fostered well by staff. At snack time, children are encouraged to collect their lunch box and water bottle.

They choose some items to eat now and save the rest for lunch time. Children enjoy plenty of praise from staff and are delighted to be awarded points when they select a healthy option.

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

There are plenty of physical play opportunities that support children to develop their skills.

Children learn to use a range of tools and resources correctly, such as spoons. They show good hand-eye-coordination as they carefully transfer sand and cornflour from one container to another. Children show control and have great fun squirting various liquids into mixing bowls.

However, on occasion, staff miss opportunities to consistently explore children's opinions and ideas.Staff know the children well and provide them with plenty of positive interactions. Children are quick to build friendships with staff and their peers.

At times, they can choose activities they would like to do in thier base room.When asked, children are confident to talk about what they like to do when they come to camp. Some children say that they really enjoy drawing and others speak very excitedly about how much they like playing football.

At the start of each day, children are brought together for a 'welcome meeting'. Staff use this opportunity to talk about the camp rules. These include not sharing food and where the fire assembly point is.

Staff also reinforce information linked to keeping safe and talk about behaviour management and how children can earn points to be the 'superstar' of the day. Children proudly talk about how they were able to earn this award earlier in the week.Children show that they understand the camp rules.

They are well behaved, listen to staff and are very respectful of adults and each other. When it is time to tidy up they are keen to help, putting the train track away and placing pencils back into a cup. Staff enthusiastically lead by example and, at times, give gentle reminders about what is and is not acceptable behaviour.

Staff make sure that children are given plenty of time to think through and formulate their ideas before they speak. Children have great fun taking part in a wide range of interesting conversations with a few reminders here and there about when it is their turn to speak or listen.All staff have weekly supervision and team meetings.

Managers also spend time in base rooms and outdoor activities, which enables them to see, first-hand, staff practice and how children spend their time. This also gives managers the opportunity to monitor children and staff's well-being.Parents talk about how their child 'loves it' at the camp.

They talk about how they have experienced 'brilliant communication' with staff and the office. Parents say that attending the camp has helped to build thier child's 'confidence'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

All staff complete safeguarding training as part of their induction. Their knowledge and understanding is regularly checked by managers through discussion. This helps to ensure that staff are able to recognise when a child could be at risk of harm.

Staff have access to a designated safeguarding lead, who offers them advice and support when necessary. Managers demonstrate a clear understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as signs that children could be forming extreme opinions and ideas. Risk assessments are in place and there is a secure procedure for the arrival and collection of children.

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