Children’s charity’s camps rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted

Children’s charity Over The Wall Camp is celebrating after receiving an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating for its camps for children and young people living with serious health conditions and disabilities.

The rating comes at a landmark moment in the charity’s history, as Over The Wall Camp has held its first residential camps this summer at its new permanent home in Ockbrook, Derbyshire.

Described by the Ofsted inspector as “exceptional and transformative”, the charity’s 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.

Over The Wall Camp provides week-long and weekend camps free of charge to children and young people aged eight to17, and their families.

The camps empower children to discover new possibilities, build confidence and create lasting memories, while helping to tackle the isolation and low self-confidence that can accompany childhood illness.

Children take part in a wide range of fun, fully accessible activities, supported by dedicated staff and volunteers including a specialist medical team, giving them the freedom to try new things in a safe and supportive environment.

The Oftsed 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 report noted that families “recognise the positive impact the camp has on their children” and praised the high standard of care provided.

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.

“Most importantly, we’re delighted that the inspection recognised what we see every day at camp: children discovering what they can do, building confidence, forming friendships and, quite simply, having an amazing time.

“We can’t wait to build on this fantastic milestone and welcome even more children and families to our forever home in the years ahead.”

Applications for children and families to attend camps in 2027 will open later this autumn.