30/06/2022

Barracudas gets official approval!

All Barracudas camps are Ofsted registered. This not only means that you can pay for your childcare with us using Tax-Free childcare and Childcare Vouchers, but also, more importantly, you can be reassured your child is in safe hands.

We’ve been running high quality activity day camps for 30 years now. Every year the officials from Ofsted visit our camps to review our operations and rate our performance.

Over the years we’ve been rated ‘Outstanding’ more times than any of our comparable competitors. Though the rating system has now changed for Out of School settings, you can know that we’re top of the game.

What Ofsted said about Barracudas in 2021

Staff and management

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. Canterbury

Staff are well qualified, experienced and enthusiastic about their role. They form strong bonds with children and create a fun and positive atmosphere. Children enjoy joking and playing around with staff and are keen to chat to them about
their lives, interests and recent experiences. This helps staff get to know children closely and meet their individual needs well. New children are greeted at the door by caring and attentive staff and are quickly made to feel very welcome. Chichester

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. They have enormous fun with the energetic and enthusiastic staff. Staff show they are happy and confident in their work. This helps to provide a high-quality experience for the children. Copthorne

Leadership and management is strong. A familiar member of staff is ready to welcome them at the registration desk. This helps children to feel safe and settle quickly. All staff are provided with thorough induction training. Staff working with early years children receive additional training and coaching from a qualified teacher, to help ensure they are meeting the needs of these younger children. Salisbury

Staff promote both the physical and emotional health of the children, by carefully listening to them and acknowledging their feelings. 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. Managers and leaders make sure parents are fully informed about the activities. Twickenham Waldegrave

Quality activities

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. Canterbury 

Children delight in exciting outdoor activities and benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children learn teamwork during group games and follow instructions and rules confidently. They are very respectful of the club, staff and each other. Chichester  

From their base room, children make independent choices between the wide range of exciting activities, sports and games on offer. 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. Copthorne

Children arrive at the club excited to take part in the broad range of sports and creative activities that are on offer to them. Staff carefully plan sessions throughout the day to provide a choice of both a physical activity and a quieter creative activity, giving children choice. Most activities quickly capture children's interest and motivate them to join in. Salisbury

Children enjoy a range of exciting activities, available both indoors and outdoors. 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. Twickenham Waldegrave

Great environment and atmosphere

Children behave extremely well and are kind and caring to others. 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. Canterbury

Children leave their parents easily and meet their friends with hugs and smiles, discussing what they might do today. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the exciting holiday club. They arrive confidently, happily and eager to start their day. Chichester

Children enjoy their time at this extremely well-organised camp. 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. Children benefit from the high priority that managers and staff place on children's emotional well-being. Staff consistently praise children's effort and achievements to help support their good self-esteem. Children develop good team building skills in well-organised games. Copthorne

Children have fun and enjoy their time at the club. Children are rewarded as staff recognise their efforts, boosting their confidence and self-esteem and encouraging them to have a go. Children form good relationships with their friends and with staff. Parents are reassured by the positive feedback they receive from their children and by how keen they are to attend. Salisbury 

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. [Children] respect and help each other and work as a team. Adults are good role models and have a good team spirit. Twickenham Waldegrave

Canterbury camp Ofsted report, Chichester camp Ofsted report, Copthorne camp Ofsted report, Salisbury camp Ofsted report, Twickenham Waldegrave camp Ofsted report.

Why we care

We couldn't be happier with what the Ofsted officials have to say about all the Barracudas camps. 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 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 950 independent Trustpilot reviews with an 'excellent' rating so you can be reassured you and your child are in safe hands with us.

Ofsted ratings explained

As of the 1st September 2019, Out of School settings (including activity camps) were no longer rated Outstanding, Good, Adequate or Requires Improvement. We are now simply rated ‘Met’ or ‘Not Met’.

Providers are still required to ensure the welfare and safety of children is considered at a basic level, so that staff background checks, first aid, risk assessments and welfare policies are in place.

See how Ofsted rating procedures have changed. https://www.barracudas.co.uk/blog/new-ofsted-reporting-explained/

Our promise to you

Unfortunately, it's now harder for you to tell the difference between a basic provider and an outstanding one.

Although the ratings have now changed, we promise that we will continue to strive for outstanding care for you and your child.

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.

We’ll continue with the same staff training, the same child-centred and nurturing environment and go above and beyond what is required to ensure all children have such an amazing experience they can’t wait to come back.

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