Ultimate Activity Camps At Brentwood School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Staff greet children extremely warmly.

Therefore, even those children who are new to the club, are helped to feel at ease and comfortable. The charismatic early years staff make children smile and giggle with their infectious personalities. There is a broad timetable of an exciting mixture of sport and non-sport activities to support children's well-being and promote their physical and social skills.

For example, they participate in football, swimming, parachute games and treasure hunts. Staff work in partnership with children's schools, parents and other professionals to make reasonable adjustments, so all children can ha...ve full access to all the available activities. This means that all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are involved and included.

The manager talks about rules and behaviour expectations at the beginning of each session. Children listen intently and show they understand when they explain that they need to listen to the leaders or, 'We won't hear what other people are saying.' Children behave exceptionally well and follow the clear instructions.

For instance, even though they are excited to get into the swimming pool, they sit patiently on the poolside to wait for the leader. They are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe as, for example, they hold on tightly to the rail when they climb down the stairs.

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

Staff feel well supported.

They complete a broad range of training each season to be fully prepared to ensure children benefit from the club. Managers carefully monitor their performance to ensure their practice is of the expected quality and that they remain suitable.Managers collect children's and parents' views through an end-of-season survey.

This captures their views and helps management to review their feedback and make improvements, if necessary. Staff also share their opinions about training, resources and equipment. This contributes to evaluating the service and ensures that the club continues to meet the needs of the children who attend.

Staff have carefully considered the needs of younger children. For example, they have allocated a base room specifically for early years children. This ensures they do not get overwhelmed, but gain a sense of security.

In the base room, staff reinforce the rules and daily routine, using a visual timetable, so all children become familiar with the day's content.Staff are reflective and make changes to ensure the camp continues to meet the specific needs of the youngest children. For example, they altered the timetable when they realised that children needed the opportunity to take part in quieter activities between more active sessions.

This ensures that children can rest and re-energise to maximise their enjoyment throughout the day.Parents provide comprehensive information about their children before each camp starts. This enables staff to get to know the children well and how best to accommodate their personality, interests and individual needs.

Staff act as play partners. Children cooperate as they build with bricks together and take great pride in their achievements. They show they trust their leaders when, for example, they respond to gentle reassurance and have the confidence to try and put their heads under water in the swimming pool.

Staff skilfully support children to manage their own emotions. They listen carefully when children are upset and sensitively talk through how they are feeling. Staff tell children how proud they are when they resolve minor conflicts with others.

Staff give clear and consistent messages to support children's good health. For instance, children know they can only choose a small snack from their lunch box and eagerly show that they have chosen a piece of fruit. Staff celebrate when children drink enough water and remind them of the importance of keeping hydrated.

Staff support children to be independent. For example, they encourage children to change into their swimming costumes by themselves. Staff offer guidance and suggestions how to make it easier.

Children are keen to show they are successful after they persevere and do not give up.Parents say, 'It is the most amazing camp' and that there is a good mix of activities. They feel involved in decision-making and feel staff and management are very approachable.

Parents appreciate that children are seen as individuals and that their specific needs and personalities are taken into account.

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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