Children 'flourish' and behaviour is 'excellent' at this Leeds holiday club - Ofsted report

A holiday club in Leeds has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for helping children to “flourish.”

Immaculate Heart Holiday Club, located at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary School, on Harrogate Road, Moortown, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in all four inspected categories - during an Ofsted visit on July 27.

They received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in the categories of behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, children's welfare and wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership and governance.

Run by Beyond the Physical, the club provides a “safe, enjoyable and engaging provision” for during the school holidays.

“Children flourish in this setting because leaders and staff carefully consider the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND),” the education watchdog said.

“They learn new techniques for physical activity and begin to expand their vocabulary because staff place a focus on key words, such as 'overarm' or 'underarm'. They model how to throw quoits for a target game and this helps children to be successful and enjoy their learning.”

Leaders gather detailed information about children before they attend the club, according to the report. Where children have additional support in place in a school setting, leaders discuss this with the special educational needs coordinator of the school.

A lot of thought and effort goes into ensuring that children with SEND transition smoothly into the club. For example, staff create personalised videos of the setting that children and parents can watch together before visiting.

Staff ensure children feel comfortable and happy and develop their confidence. They listen attentively to children's views and provide lots of feedback to support learning.

Children drink and eat healthy snacks, and leaders provide workshops to ensure children and families understand how healthy eating and good oral hygiene can support a healthy lifestyle.

Inspectors added: “Behaviour is excellent. Children and staff demonstrate a great deal of respect for each other. Staff explain rules clearly and support the youngest children by repeating instructions and checking their understanding.

“Planned activities really support children to negotiate, and they discuss their views with friends. Children have many opportunities to take turns and develop their sharing skills.”

Leaders at invest in staff development Immaculate Heart Holiday Club and staff are provided with an excellent range of training, according to the report.

The relationships between staff and children are “nurturing and caring.” Children use tools and equipment safely, and older children sensitively support younger children to thrive.

Focusing on areas of future improve, the report added that leaders should continue to develop staff knowledge to gain an even more detailed understanding of how to support children with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Posting on Instagram, a spokesperson for Beyond the Physical, said: “We are incredibly proud of our recent Ofsted inspection at Immaculate Heart Holiday Club. Safeguarding requirements were met, with Strong standards recognised across the board.

“The report truly reflects the care, expertise and commitment our team brings every day to create a safe, happy environment where every child can flourish. A brilliant achievement for everyone involved.”