AN inspector has praised an out of school club’s “warm and welcoming environment” for children.
Ofsted visited Frenchay Out Of School Club in March, for its first assessment since the club moved with the school to a new site in Alexander Road in 2022.
Inspector Michelle Grayling said the club, which has 84 children aged from four to 11 on its roll, meets Ofsted’s requirements for quality and standards.
She said staff plan a range of activities to cater for children’s individual preferences, from drawing and crafts to football, in a “relaxed yet structured and well organised environment”.
The inspector said: “Staff value children’s voices as they give children the autonomy to have their say about the club. Staff incorporate their suggestions when planning activities.
“Children show a strong sense of pride about their club.”
The report said staff encourage older children to take on leadership roles, including becoming a ‘buddy’ to younger children, which helps create a “culture of mutual respect and inclusivity” for all.
They also make improvements suggested by children, buying sports equipment from “wish lists” children have made and offering snacks they ask for to promote a “sense of ownership” among the children.
Staff work with parents and class teachers to make sure children have “consistent support” at the breakfast club and after-school club, which operate on each school day.
The inspector said: “If children require additional support at school, staff support this at the club too, so building children’s confidence.”
Support for staff from managers was highlighted, with training to increase skills and gain extra qualifications.
The inspector said: “Staff report high levels of well-being. They express their enthusiasm for working at the club and describe it as ‘one big family’.”
Parents told Ofsted they appreciate the club providing a “happy place” for their children while they are at work, and its “positive impact” on their confidence and social development.
The inspector said: “They say children ask to go even on days when they are not scheduled to attend.”
Club owner and manager Cath Purchase said: “We are delighted with the feedback we received from the inspector about the quality of care we provide.
“The inspector said that she was extremely impressed with the children’s behaviour, the staff interactions and how happy the children were.”
Cath thanked the staff, parents and children, “who make the club such a great place to be”.