The Oxford Boat Adventure

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Leaders have developed the holiday camp with clear aims and objectives in mind. They want children to develop a love of being outdoors, and a curiosity about all it has to offer.

With this in mind, they plan an imaginative set of 'adventures' for children to participate in each day. Children relish the opportunities to explore woodland, cook on open fires, and build and sail rafts. They do so under the guidance of expert staff, who teach children new skills and keep them safe.

Although children only attend the camp for a few days each year, they show they feel settled and happy to be there. Alongside the staff who lead the... activities, there is a team of pastoral staff assigned to each group of children. These staff know about any additional support children may need to get the most out of their time at the camp.

They also help children make friends, understand about behavioural expectations and learn the routines of the day. Children know they will be greeted by familiar faces, and that these staff will spend the day with them. This helps children feel welcome, safe and confident about the day ahead.

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

Leaders are passionate about what they do. They put a great deal of thought into how they can provide a memorable time for children. They put together a well-balanced team of staff, who bring different skills and expertise with them.

Through a thorough programme of induction training and mentoring they build a team who do their job really well. The positivity of leaders and staff is infectious. The camp is full of happy adults and children, who learn and laugh together.

Staff adapt 'adventures' to the ages of the children taking part. This means that children of all ages, including younger ones, can get the most out of all that is on offer. Younger children delight in arriving at woodlands to find a den building experience waiting for them.

Staff help children think about what they might want to do, then encourage them to put their own ideas into practice.Staff organise the day so that, as well as taking part in planned activities, children can follow their own interests and engage in conversations that further their understanding. For example, when on their way to an activity, children spot a line of ants, staff encourage them to stop and study them.

This approach helps children develop their curiosity and observational skills. Staff plan in time for children to chat around a camp fire, listening to, and learning from, what others have to say.Children are proud of what they can do.

For example, they beam with delight as they show the soap they have helped make, explaining what they did and how they are going to keep it safe. Staff play an active role in building children's self-esteem. For example, staff ensure every child has an opportunity to show the 'fairy dens' they have built to their friends and explain their ideas and processes.

Children gain a very positive view of themselves as capable young people. Staff know that with clear instruction children can manage their own risks and keep themselves safe. Children respond positively to the trust adults put in them.

For example, they know how to stay safe as they cross the lake, with staff, on rafts to an island to cook and eat pizza. Staff teach children how to identify and minimise their own risks as they explore woodland.Staff plan activities to specifically encourage teamwork and inclusivity.

This helps children learn to consider each other and include everyone in their play. Children have to work together to build fairy houses, making sure each other's ideas are taken into account. Children work as a team to get everyone safely around an obstacle course.

Children and parents are equally full of praise for the camp. Children use terms such as 'double thumbs up' and 'extra great time' to describe it. Parents praise leaders for the safe running of the camp and report on how it is helping their children gain a very positive view of following an active lifestyle.

Leaders work closely with parents to ensure they have a thorough understanding of children's needs before they start, so they can make any adaptations needed to ensure children are safe, healthy and happy.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.