'There is a happy buzz within the setting' Ofsted praises club

AN after-school club has been praised by Ofsted for its "happy buzz", child-focused staff, and an enriching programme of activities that sparks both creativity and confidence in young children.

- Lewis CLARKE

Creative Kids After School Care, based at Longlevens Community Centre in Gloucester, met all early years provision requirements in its latest inspection, carried out on Wednesday, March 19.

The club, which caters for children aged 4 to 11 and has 81 on roll, was previously rated “Outstanding” and continues to provide a high-quality experience for the children it serves.

“Children say that they enjoy coming to the beforeand after-school clubs. They like the staff and the varied play experiences that staff plan. There is a happy buzz within the setting and children of all ages get on well with one another,” the report noted.

The inspector, Linda Witts, highlighted the seamless way children transition from school into the club environment.

“Children are warmly greeted by staff as they come out of school. Staff listen intently as children share details about their school day,” she wrote.

“Children arrive with enthusiasm and know the club routine. They sit in a group to welcome one another, listen to a story or join in a game.”

One particularly engaging example given was a game called 'my bowl of fruit', in which children guessed fruits beginning with a certain letter and linked it to their own names, laughing and giggling throughout.