21/09/2021

Barracudas Summer camp Ofsted reports

We were delighted to have received amazing reports from the officials at Ofsted who visited our camps this summer.

5 of our newer locations were inspected for the first time this year and we were judged very positively at each camp.

The ratings have now changed from ‘Outstanding’ ‘Good’ ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’ to a more simple ‘Met’ or ‘Not met’ status. Whilst we’ve been happy to confirm that Barracudas has historically received more Outstanding ratings than any other comparable provider, we’re delighted to still be performing to the highest levels that our parents would expect.

Canterbury camp

Our first inspection at our Canterbury camp was made on 11th August this year. We were thrilled to have received a ‘Met’ rating with observations including:

Children are exceptionally settled in the calm and welcoming environment. They chatter away with friends and staff as they develop their friendship groups. Children are keen to join in with activities and take pride in their achievements.

The manager and staff provide children with high-quality care. They are positive role models, for instance, they give children clear, helpful instructions so that children understand expectations of behaviour. They show respect as they speak and listen to children. Staff value the children's views, which they use to help them to plan activities and experiences. For instance, throughout the day they offer children choices of what they would like to do, such as party or garden Games.

Children have a very full timetable of events, which they are extremely excited to join in with. Staff recognise the importance of adapting games and events. This helps to ensure all children have an opportunity to experience a wide range of sports.

Barracudas Canterbury camp Ofsted report

Chichester camp

We had our first Ofsted inspection at our Chichester camp on 13th August this summer. The officials rated us as 'Met' and we were happy to have received such a positive report. Here’s what the inspector said:

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the exciting holiday club. They arrive confidently, happily and eager to start their day. Children leave their parents easily and meet their friends with hugs and smiles, discussing what they might do today. New children are greeted at the door by caring and attentive staff and are quickly made to feel very welcome.

Children delight in exciting outdoor activities and benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise. For instance, they compete in friendly competitions to flip as many cones over as they can in one minute. Children learn teamwork during group games and follow instructions and rules confidently. They are very respectful of the club, staff and each other.

Barracudas Chichester camp Ofsted report

Copthorne camp

On 12th August Ofsted visited our Copthorne camp for the first time. The identified themes matched those that are consistently given by the officials across all our camps and we were rated as 'Met'. We were thrilled the comments from the inspector, including:

Children enjoy their time at this extremely well-organised camp. The large numbers of children attending are divided into smaller age groupings. When they arrive, children go happily to play with their friends in their base room. The familiar staff and routines help children to feel secure in these groups and develop a sense of belonging. Children are warmly welcomed by staff. They support children new to the group to join in activities. From their base room, children make independent choices between the wide range of exciting activities, sports and games on offer.

Children learn to cooperate together. They have enormous fun with the energetic and enthusiastic staff. For example, children took turns running under a large parachute to find 'treasure'. They squealed with delight as they made a parachute 'mushroom' together. Children are very confident and talk easily about their activities. They say motor sport and swimming are their favourite. Children are highly motivated. They have excellent opportunities to try familiar sports and to learn new skills. They are completely engaged in play and behave well.

Children enjoy fresh air and are very active. Children have plenty of space for their activities and take part in a number of outside activities during the day. Younger children look around carefully as they follow a nature trail. Children develop good team building skills in well-organised games.

Barracudas Copthorne camp Ofsted report

Salisbury camp

Another great first inspection and a 'Met' rating came from Ofsted for our Salisbury camp! Having visited the camp on 17th August, the official report stated:

Children arrive at the club excited to take part in the broad range of sports and creative activities that are on offer to them. A familiar member of staff is ready to welcome them at the registration desk. This helps children to feel safe and settle quickly. Staff carefully plan sessions throughout the day to provide a choice of both a physical activity and a quieter creative activity, giving children choice.

Children have fun and enjoy their time at the club. Most activities quickly capture children's interest and motivate them to join in.

Children form good relationships with their friends and with staff. Activities frequently encourage children to work together, such as when they move the large inflated ball along a line using only their feet. This helps them learn to value and respect each other.

Barracudas Salisbury camp Ofsted report

Twickenham Waldegrave camp

Official Ofsted officers visited our Twickenham Waldegrave camp on 29th July this year. We were delighted to have received such a positive report for our first inspection at this location and were rated as 'Met'! They noted:

Children enjoy a range of exciting activities, available both indoors and outdoors. They are happy when they arrive and are welcomed by friendly staff. The adults are sensitive to the children and listen to them. They build strong bonds with the children, helping them to feel safe and secure.

Staff engage with all children and ensure that activities are suitable for each child's age and ability. Children take part in various activities, for example fencing, archery, pottery and tennis. Staff promote both the physical and emotional health of the children, by carefully listening to them and acknowledging their feelings. Staff promote healthy eating and ensure children learn the importance of keeping hydrated throughout the day

Managers and leaders make sure parents are fully informed about the activities. Parents provide positive comments and share that their child's needs and interests are met. The staff morale is high, which creates a happy environment for children to enjoy.

Barracudas Twickenham Waldegrave camp Ofsted report

We couldn't be happier with what the Ofsted officials had to say about all the Barracudas camp locations they visited this summer. It was immensely rewarding to have confirmation that we are consistently delivering a quality service and amazing experience for our valued parents and children.

We've had enormous fun at all of our summer camps this year. Get our camp highlights to see what we got up to.

We care deeply about how we are judged by professional bodies, parents and children! Barracudas is committed to providing the best service and follow each season with inviting our customers to fill in our parent survey so we can build on what we do best.

We're also lucky enough to have over 800 independent Trustpilot reviews with an 'excellent' rating so you can be reassured you and your child are in safe hands with us. 

What a great summer of FUN we've had at camp in 2021.