A before and after-school club in Burnley has had a successful first Ofsted inspection, in which its “safe and secure” setting was praised.

Pro Sport Coaching Limited, based at St Mary Magdalene’s RC Primary School in Wellfield Drive, is meeting the quality and standards of early years provision, inspectors concluded.

The report said: “Children are warmly welcomed by staff when they arrive at the club.

“They come in happily, eagerly exchanging information about their day. The staff initiate personal conversations based on their knowledge of the children. These interactions meet the children's emotional needs and help them feel confident, safe and secure.

“Staff assess ways to ensure that older and younger children can interact and play with each other. For example, children of different ages are paired together in new activities, such as dodgeball, where they learn how to play and praise each other's achievements. This meets their social and emotional needs.

“Staff are organised and provide children with a good balance of adult-led and child-led activities. This helps children to play freely and explore their interests.

“Staff include children in setting age-appropriate rules and expectations, which support children's good behaviour and promotes their safety. Children respond well to the positive environment.

“Staff divide the large hall into smaller areas to create a calm environment that facilitates chosen activities. This helps to develop children's social interactions.

“Staff create comfortable spaces through the use of mats and tables for children, so they can do their homework or rest if required. Children use this area to relax and look at a selection of books and stories. Staff join them to offer reassurance and help, where required.”

Staff’s enthusiasm was praised, as was their “commitment to providing high-quality childcare”, and their knowledge of what children are learning at school and their personal interests.

Qualified external coaches help children play a variety of sports which aids their development and healthy lifestyles.

Support for staff’s well-being and professional development, plus the club’s relationship with the host school, were both also praised as excellent.

Safeguarding was also found to be effective.