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Oct 2024
Ofsted praises ‘fun and inclusive’ out-of-school club in Harrogate
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An out-of-school club in Harrogate has been praised by Ofsted.
The report followed an inspection at St Peter’s Funclub on October 1.
Inspectors found the quality and standards of early years provision were ‘met’ at the day care. It is the first inspection since 2019, when the club was graded ‘good’.
Children, who are aged between four and 11, enter the fun and inclusive club with a smile, the report says, and eagerly explore activities.
Inspectors noted children look forward to attending and staff supported their speaking and listening skills very well.
Ofsted added:
[Children] tell the inspector that they like being able to spend time with their friends and take part in different sport activities, play board games and be creative. They say staff help them to complete homework and play games with them.
The 10 staff members were praised for asking questions that "extend children’s thinking" and enhance playtime with "warm interactions".
The report adds children become absorbed in creative play and enjoy putting counting skills to the test when making number towers with construction toys.
The inspector also said:
Children willingly listen to each other's ideas, making suggestions as they play. Staff know when to stand back so children can explore their own play ideas.
Ofsted reported staff are attentive to children’s needs and work to develop positive relationships with them. It adds staff enforce clear and consistent boundaries, which reminds children how to take care of themselves and their friends.
Staff understand the importance of offering extra support to children who may need it, including children who are new to the club or may have additional needs.
They were also praised for ensuring communication flows between the club and St Peter’s CE Primary School, where the club is based, meaning care remains consistent.
Parents speak highly of the club, the inspector said, adding some stated the care is “excellent”, and their children feel “safe, happy and confident”.
Staff complete regular training; they build on their skills and knowledge and feel supported by leaders, the report adds.
‘They provide a home from home for our children’
Paul Griffiths, headteacher at St Peter’s, said:
It is privilege to work with all the Funclub team.
They provide a home from home for all our children who attend, ensuring their time before and after school is fun, enjoyable and engaging.
We are delighted that Ofsted have recognised the hard work and dedication that we see day in, day out.
Funclubs Ltd was established in 2003. St Peter's was the first club, but it now operates at various primary schools across Harrogate.
Jenny Rowlands, Funclubs director, added:
It is so lovely to have all the hard work of our fabulous team at St Peter’s Funclub recognised in this report. With our ongoing partnership, we are expanding our provision at St Peter’s School and we are very much looking forward to more exciting years ahead together.
St Peter’s Funclub opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 8.45am, and 3.15pm to 6pm, during term time.
During the school holidays, it operates from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Ofsted changed the way it inspects out-of-school care in 2019, after St Peter’s Funclub's previous inspection.
Instead of being graded from outstanding to inadequate, inspectors now say whether standards have been met or not met.
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