AN out of school club where children feel valued and “have great fun being creative” has been praised by an inspector.
Ofsted visited Progressive Kids Bristol at Emersons Green Primary School in June.
The regulator no longer gives clubs ratings, and instead only confirms when they have met its required standards.
But inspector Mikaela Jauncey’s report found plenty to praise at the club, which has 96 children on its roll and is open before and after each school day, from its “calm environment” to the way activities are adapted to children’s needs.
The inspector said: “Children arrive at the setting happy and eager to take part in the activities staff have provided for them.
“They enthusiastically greet the welcoming and friendly staff.
“Staff guide children to the wide variety of activities on offer and join in with children as they play.
“Children have great fun being creative.
“Children of all ages interact and communicate with each other in a caring and respectful way. “Older children offer to support younger children when they find some tasks a little challenging. “The environment is carefully planned to give children space and freedom to independently choose activities that motivate and interest them.
“Children feel valued as staff listen to their ideas and involve them in planning different events at the club. For example, children write their ideas for new games or different resources they’d like. They post these ideas in a suggestion box. Staff use these ideas to provide a range of interesting experiences for children.”
The inspector said the club’s seven staff communicate daily with staff at the school and plan activities based on themes younger children are learning about.
Progressive Kids Bristol is run by out of school clubs provider Progressive Sports, which took over from Mangotsfield Out Of School Club two years ago.
Sales director Mitchell Quirke said: “We’re absolutely over the moon with our Ofsted result.
“What makes me most proud is that the inspector saw exactly what we see – children who feel valued, heard, and excited to be with us.
“The recognition of our partnership with Emersons Green Primary School was particularly meaningful.
“This success belongs to our amazing staff team, who create such a nurturing environment where children can relax, have fun, and develop friendships after their school day.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be part of the Emersons Green community and to have the trust of local families.
“This Ofsted result just confirms what we already knew – we have something really special here.”