The quality of teaching, the behaviour of children and the effectiveness of the leadership at an Out of School Club have all been praised by a Government inspector.

The inspector from Ofsted rated the club as ‘good’ overall – the second highest category - after a visit to Bassingbourn Out of School club earlier this year.

The club, based at Bassinbourn Primary School, is an inclusive club open every day after school from 3pm to 6pm for all children between the age of three and 12.

In addition the club opens where possible out of term time to allow parents/carers the opportunity to send their children regardless of whether they attend Bassingbourn Community Primary School, to a Holiday Club should they need it.

In her report, the inspector said teaching was good because staff plan and equip an environment in which children can select and lead their own play.

“Children show enthusiasm for play and a keenness to attend the out of school club. They use their imagination in many activities,” she said.

“Children behave well because they help to devise and write their own rules for the club and as a result, they take responsibility for their own actions.” It added.

The inspector said staff had a good awareness of the types of activities to offer children at the end of the day to complement those undertaken in school.

“This relationship means that children develop clear and secure bonds with staff that promote their sense of security,” she added.

Managers were also highlighted for their good understanding of the requirements of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

“There are clearly mapped procedures for monitoring any safeguarding concern within the setting. Systems for monitoring practice are robust. Regular staff meetings and appraisals are used to review all areas of practice and to identify training and development programmes for staff,” the report said.

The club was encouraged to consolidate children’s problem solving skills and independence, and to extend the daily plan to provide increased opportunities for children to play and explore outdoor activities.

Bassingbourn out of School Club Community Interest Company Director Linzi-Jayne Rolfe said: “The report reflects all the hard work and time that my staff and I have devoted to the club to make it a fun, safe, warm, friendly, happy and home-from-home setting for children to play at.

“None of this would have been possible without the fantastic and continuous support from Rachael Schofield and Sue Brown (headteachers of Bassingbourn Community Primary School) and their site Manager, Mr Steve Kinsey, all of whom I am gratefully indebted to.

“Furthermore, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my staff and children who attend the club for helping Bassingbourn Out Of School Club CIC achieve its ‘good’ status in our recent OfSTED report as well as the continuous support from the children’s parents/carers. As such it is my hope that the club will go from strength to strength.”