INSPECTORS told a Swindon after-school club they were not outstanding because the children were too noisy.

Ofsted inspectors visited Wroughton After School Club last month and rated the provision good across all three areas, and made only two suggested improvements before it could be rated outstanding – including doing more to keep the noise down.

But despite the praise, Kate Worthington, who runs the club with her mother, Jan Bodin, said she was disappointed they had not been rated as outstanding.

She also said that she thought the inspector had been "petty" in her judgements.

She said: “We were very pleased with the report and to have been rated as good, but we are a little disappointed.

"We were rated outstanding for our holiday club at the end of 2013, and we were hoping to be given an outstanding too.

“The problem is that it does all boil down to one inspector’s idea and it can all be subjective.

"They also keep changing the frameworks, so it makes it difficult to know exactly what they expect.

“The main criticism was that the children were too noisy, and yes it can be noisy but only because they are children and they are playing."

The report praised the space and resources on offer to the children at the provision, which operates out of Wroughton Infant School in Wharf Road.

It said: “Staff make sure children are well occupied in this club. Children settle to a variety of interesting activities set out ready by staff. They know they can ask for additional resources if they want.

"Staff show they value children by listening to what they say and children are keen to share their news.

“Children enjoy their time at the club. Staff help new children learn routines to keep themselves safe. Children know the club’s routine, settle confidently and have good relationships with the staff and other children.

“The provider has established effective partnerships with the host school staff, which help to promote continuity of care so staff meet children’s physical needs well.”

But inspectors criticised how noisy the children were, and said that more outdoor play opportunities were needed.

It said: “Staff do not always remind children to speak quietly indoors. This means the noise in the room rises and children cannot always hear what others say. This makes it difficult for them to respond appropriately by not raising their voices.

“Children have daily opportunities for outside play. However, few resources are provided and the adjacent outdoor space is not used throughout the year which somewhat restricts children’s choices.”

To meet the required improvements, Kate and Jane have set in place plans to make better use of the adjacent outdoor space as well as giving children the opportunity to play in the large playground.

The inspector also praised the management of the club, and their dedication to high-quality care.

The report said: “The provider ensures staff implement requirements to a good standard, including those for safeguarding and child protection.

“The provider is committed to providing high-quality care; for example, there is a policy for safe internet use. This is part of forward planning in anticipation of providing this facility, resulting from evaluation.”

To read the full report, visit tinyurl.com/nwhgtoy