Ultimate Activity Camps at Ballard School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

This provision meets requirements Children are happy to attend the inviting and friendly holiday camp. Staff enthusiastically welcome children who are new; they show an interest in their likes and dislikes and this enables children to settle quickly and make friends. Children are allocated a key group according to their age during their time at the camp.

This enables staff to provide appropriate care and activities and supports younger children to feel safe and secure. The range of activities provided is exciting. Older children take part in fencing, archery and zorbing, while younger children play parachute games, go on the bouncy castle and use the adventure play...ground.

Staff pride themselves on giving children experiences that they may not usually get at home or school.Staff have high expectations and are good role models. They demonstrate respect for others as they listen to the children and each other.

Staff support children to behave well and children's behaviour is good. Staff talk to children about being safe and also the importance of staying hydrated in hot weather. Children demonstrate they understand the expectations and routines of the camp.

They comment that they feel safe and they like the staff, who are fun.

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

The organisation of this camp is well managed. There is good oversight by an operations team that regularly checks that policies and procedures are being implemented and that activities are well organised.

Staff's safeguarding knowledge is also tested regularly. Staff comment that they feel well supported.Activities are well thought out by staff.

For example, rather than just take the younger children on a nature trail, staff read them a book about trees before they leave. They prepare a scavenger hunt for the walk and children excitedly look for items, such as leaves, flowers, spiders and bees. They shout to their friends to come and look when they find something of interest.

Children's well-being is carefully considered. Staff recognise that new or younger children might be nervous, so they organise welcome games at the beginning of the day. Children can choose to take part in boisterous games of tag or smaller, quieter games such as 'Duck, Duck, Goose'.

Children are seen to be confident and self-assured. They are welcoming to visitors and speak with confidence about their favourite club activities, such as swimming.Younger children benefit from having their own base room with plenty of early years resources, such as construction equipment, books and art materials.

This dedicated space gives young children time away from the busy camp and enables them to build good relationships with the staff who care for them. They have a visual timetable, which helps children to know what is happening throughout the day.Parents are happy with the care their children receive.

They report their children are happy and that they always leave with stories about the activities they have taken part in. The manager is a reassuring presence at drop off and pick up times and is happy to answer any questions parents may have.Staff are attentive to young children's personal care needs and all children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise throughout the day.

Children follow good hygiene practices and wash their hands regularly. Staff encourage children to bring in healthy packed lunches.New and returning staff receive appropriate training before each camp, which helps to ensure they are clear about their roles and responsibilities.

Staff work well together as a team, with the manager providing consistent support.

Safeguarding

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

Also at this postcode