Standards fall at Wigan after-school club

Ofsted visited Club 3.15, which is based at Canon Sharples CE Primary School in Whelley and run by St Bede’s Childcare Ltd, earlier this month.

The club was judged to be “good” in 2015, but has now been given the lower rating of “requires improvement” in a report published this week.

Inspector Angela Rowley’s report said there had been a change of management and the “unsettled period has been managed generally well”.

But she found the manager had not identified that some medicine records did not meet legal requirements.

The report states: “The organisation’s clear operational procedures have not always been followed. As a result, there is not a record of parental consent to administer prescribed and emergency medication in all cases.

“Despite this, the practical arrangements for managing children’s health are secure. This includes establishing healthcare plans with parents and keeping records of any medicine administered.

“Therefore, the breach of requirement relating to the missing consent record is not having a significant impact on children’s safety.”

The report said safeguarding arrangements were “effective”, staff had updated their training in child protection and food safety, and “all other required records” were in place.

Staff knew children’s health needs and encouraged them to play outside, and children liked being there, the report said.

But the inspector found staff sometimes did too much for the children, rather than giving opportunities for them to develop themselves.

The report highlighted strong relationships, high levels of support for children and physical activity being promoted.

The club was told it must ensure medicines are only given to a child when they have written permission from a parent or carer and that records of medicine administered should include consent.

They should also reflect on the way staff use what they know about children already to allow them to think creatively and strengthen the quality of supervision and development opportunities for the manager and staff, the report said.