Over The Wall Camp is celebrating an exceptional milestone after receiving an ‘Outstanding’ OFSTED rating for our camps for children and young people living with serious health conditions and disabilities.
The prestigious rating comes at a landmark moment in the charity’s history, as we have held our first residential camps this summer at our new permanent home in Ockbrook, Derbyshire.
Exceptional & transformative camps
Described by the OFSTED inspector as ‘exceptional and transformative’, our camps were praised as being ‘excellent, safe, positive and inclusive’ environments where children can experience the joy, freedom and magic of childhood alongside others who understand what life with a serious health condition can be like.
The OFSTED report also praised the charity’s clear ‘children-first’ ethos, highlighting the strong relationships between children and adults and the sense of belonging created at camp.
The inspector also highlighted the charity’s strong values and the transformative impact of the camp experience:
High standard of care
As part of the inspection, the OFSTED inspector spent time interacting with children and families before and during the visit to understand their experiences.
The report noted that families ‘recognise the positive impact the camp has on their children’ and praised the high standard of care provided.
One family member told the inspector:
“The holiday did so much for my daughter in her week away that she returned more like the child she was before her illness. I’ll be forever thankful.”
Our new chapter at Ockbrook
For Over The Wall Camp, the ‘Outstanding’ rating is a hugely significant achievement – particularly as it coincides with the charity beginning a new chapter at its forever home in Ockbrook.
Kevin Mathieson, Chief Executive of Over The Wall Camp, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive an ‘Outstanding’ OFSTED rating, and it is particularly special to achieve this at such an exciting time for Over The Wall Camp, as we welcome children and families to our forever home in Ockbrook.
“This recognition is a wonderful testament to the passion, dedication and hard work of our incredible staff and volunteers. Every person involved in Over The Wall Camp plays a vital role in creating safe, positive, memorable and life-changing experiences for the children and families who join us.
