CHILDREN’S welfare is at risk at the Bee Hive Club in Highworth according to the latest report from Ofsted.

The after school provision, which operates out of a mobile classroom in the grounds of Southview Junior School between 3pm and 6pm during term time, was not awarded a judgement since no children were at the site when inspectors visited on September 29.

But inspectors said that the provision failed to meet the necessary requirements for registration on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register, and found that staff lacked sufficient knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures and were not sufficiently trained and supervised.

In the report, inspectors said: “The provider has required policies and procedures to guide staff practice, but has not ensured staff have sufficient knowledge of the safeguarding and child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. This places children’s welfare at risk.

“The provider does not have appropriate arrangements for the supervision of staff. Staff do not receive support, coaching and training to continuously improve their practice.”

Inspectors added that “staff do not have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.”

During the visit inspectors discussed with staff how they intended to provide activities to interest and engage children, studied the policy documents and discussed how staff elevated their practice and the arrangements for staff supervision.

Inspectors did note, however, that staff at The Bee Hive Club were aware of how to meet children’s dietary requirements and promote good hygiene procedures, and they knew how to plan and provide a range of suitable acitivities to meet learning and development requirements.

In the report inspectors said that in order to improve, the Bee Hive Club had to: “Ensure appropriate arrangements for staff supervision that provide support, coaching and training, so staff have a clear understanding of their roles to promote the interests of children.”

Staff must also be trained to ensure they understand the safeguarding policy and procedures, with regard to child protection, the report said. The Club was also given guidance to improve in order to meet the requirements of the Childcare Register.

The Bee Hive Club declined to comment when the Adver first contacted them yesterday.