YOUNGSTERS at a breakfast and after-school club in west Swindon are well behaved and confident thanks to clear guidance, according to Ofsted inspectors.

The education watchdog visited Westlea After School, Breakfast And Holiday Club in Langstone Way earlier this month and rated the provision good across all three areas.

The findings of the report were welcomed by Cherry Hobbs, the play care manager at the club, who said it was a testament to the hard work of her team.

“It’s fabulous,” she said.“It means all the hard work of the staff has paid off. I was away the day they came in, so they all had to get through it without me.

“They were brilliant. They didn’t panic and just carried on as usual.

“We constantly get people coming who have been recommended by friends and family.

“I think that’s the biggest testament to a place, if people are willing to recommend their friends to us.”

In the report inspectors particularly praised teaching teamwork and management, but said to become an outstanding provision more should be done to nurture youngsters’ independence.

The report said: “Staff do not fully maximise the organisation of resources to enable children to have more free choice, and initiate their own play and exploration.

“Management and staff do not always provide children with sufficient opportunities to be independent.”

Cherry said: “There were a couple of improvements, which we have already put in place, including creating more visual aids. We were just in the process of putting those in place.”

Inspectors praised staff for creating a welcoming learning environment. The report said: “Teaching is good, and all children engage in activities, learn new skills and develop skills, which support their learning in school. As a result, children are motivated learners who make good progress.

“Children behave well and are confident because management and staff provide clear guidance about what is acceptable behaviour and consistently praise and acknowledge children’s achievements.

“Management and staff work well together as a team.

“They have secured strong links with the host school and teaching staff, which helps to ensure children receive the support and assistance they need.”

Visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/511584.