Camp Energy in Harpenden criticised by Ofsted

The report by an Ofsted inspector who visited Camp Energy, run by Leisure Connection at the Rothamsted Park centre, gave the lowest rating for all aspects of the service.

The holiday club also received the lowest rating of inadequate for its overall score, with the inspector warning that enforcement action will be taken if steps are not taken to ensure the safety of the children.

The scheme provides a maximum of 96 places for children aged between five and eight.

Children attend a variety of sessions during the summer holidays on a daily and weekly basis.

The report states: “Camp Energy provides an active environment for children during the school holidays. However, staff do not have an adequate understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage so the children’s individual needs are not met.”

It continues: “Management demonstrates poor capacity to improve because they do not monitor the service, therefore no areas for improvement have been identified or implemented since the last inspection. The early years provision requires immediate action.

“Ofsted will take enforcement measures to ensure children’s safety and compliance with the welfare, learning and development requirements or will cancel registration.”

The inspector also highlights how records are not adequately organised and attendance records fail to show the correct numbers of children present which was recognised as potentially compromising children’s safety.

Staff have not completed first aid training and the inspector notes: “Children are not fully protected in the event of an accident or illness.”

Responding to the report, Leisure Connection said: “We have worked closely with stakeholders to ensure all areas identified in this report were addressed and rectified immediately.

“We work closely with our partners at St Albans District Council and are confident we are delivering a great local service for the community.”