Zidannes Sports School

Sport is the organising idea at this 20-place out-of-school setting at Barnet Burnt Oak Leisure Centre. The inspected holiday camp served children aged three to nine, and outdoor games were used to build confidence, resilience and teamwork.

The most important fact is less positive. At the April 2026 inspection, safeguarding standards were not met and leadership and governance required urgent improvement. Ofsted found weaknesses in staff suitability checks, reporting knowledge and mobile-phone-policy monitoring, with actions due by 15 May 2026.

Sport gave the group a shared purpose. Children responded positively to the active programme, learned to work alongside others and waited for their chance in team play. In April 2026, they also settled quickly and understood the camp's routines and safety expectations. This is out-of-school provision rather than a day nursery, so its inspected character was a sports camp for children aged three to nine.

For children within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework means children meet learning and development expectations through play, communication and physical activity through the day. Here, physical games gave children practical opportunities to develop movement, communication, cooperation and confidence rather than following a classroom-style day.

Staff were calm, friendly and respectful, and supported quieter and newly attending children. Everyday care was handled competently, including bathroom needs, refreshments and changes between activities. For children needing extra help, staff adjusted what was offered and brought in visual prompts or sensory equipment.

There are serious counterweights. In April 2026 the key-person system was not securely embedded: staff did not always know newly attending children's names, and families lacked a consistent contact. Ofsted also required stronger qualified-staff deployment for early-years children and healthier snack promotion.

The setting is based at Barnet Burnt Oak Leisure Centre, Watling Avenue, Edgware, HA8 0NP. It has 20 places in total. Families should seek current session, age, booking and price details directly from the provider before making plans.

• Safeguarding follow-up. Ofsted set actions on vetting, reporting procedures and mobile-phone-policy monitoring for 15 May 2026. Families should establish the outcome before booking.
• Consistent contact. The April 2026 inspection found that key-person arrangements were not securely embedded. Ask who will be the child's named contact during each camp.
• Food expectations. Leaders were asked to promote healthier packed lunches and snacks. Families should clarify the current food policy, especially where allergies apply.

Zidannes Sports School is best suited to families seeking active out-of-school or holiday-camp provision, especially for children motivated by team games and physical activity. The inclusive practice and children's positive engagement matter, but they do not outweigh unresolved uncertainty following the inspection's safeguarding and leadership findings. Parents need evidence that the required improvements have been completed before choosing it.