A SCHOOL club has received glowing praise in its first report from Ofsted.

The education watchdogs inspected Little Oaks Wrap Around Care at Belchamp St Paul School and lauded the children and leaders.

The setting is an out-of-school day care, running before and after school care as well as holiday clubs for Belchamp St Paul School, just north of Halstead.

The report said: “Children benefit from the inclusive and friendly atmosphere created by the leaders.

“They arrive happy and ready to play, quickly settling into their chosen activities.

“New children receive a welcome induction on their first session. Leaders explain where to find things, what is available for children to do, the food on offer and about outdoor play.

“They talk about the rules that help children to stay safe and to be kind and considerate to others.

“This helps children to make relationships with the leaders and helps them to understand what to expect.”

“Children behave extremely well. They are chatty, well-mannered and polite to each other, the leaders and visitors.

“Alongside this, they laugh and have fun together.”

Inspectors also praised leaders, saying they are “extremely knowledgeable” and “have a clear and ambitious vision for the setting”.

The report said: “Leaders have a wealth of knowledge and experience in education, and they use this to excellent effect in planning and delivering an inspiring range of experiences for children of all ages.

“They ensure that visitors are clear about security measures, making sure they sign in and that their identity is checked.

“This helps them to ensure the safety of children. They ensure children understand how to behave safely and responsibly in the setting.”

Inspector Alison Reeves also detailed some of the activities the children enjoy.

The report said: “Good use is made of the outdoor environment.

“Children and leaders spend time exploring areas around plants trying to find snails.

“Although they appear to have moved on, there is plenty of interest in the worms and beetles that they find.

“Leaders provide exciting games outdoors using torches. This helps children to demonstrate their careful and responsible attitude to looking after resources, as they sign out the numbered torches.”