Playscheme continues to be praised by education watchdog

The district council’s playscheme, which operates at Yorke Mead School in Croxley Green, was given a ‘met’ rating by Ofsted – the education and children’s services watchdog. Out of school clubs, such as this, are no longer rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ and are graded under a new system.

The playscheme provides an affordable opportunity for young children in reception to year six to develop their social skills, meet new friends and play games during the Easter and summer school holidays.

In the report, the inspector, Antonia Campbell, wrote children ‘clearly enjoy their time at the playscheme’ and that activities are ‘organised and highly engaging’.

Parents were also very complimentary about the staff and spoke ‘positively’ about the ‘exciting and varied’ activities for the children, meaning their children ‘look forward’ to attending.

Staff, in particular, were praised for creating an ‘open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interest first’. Their teamwork, communication with parents and guardians, work ethic, and support for early years children and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities were also commended by the inspector.

Cllr Chris Lloyd, Three Rivers District Council’s Lead Member for Leisure, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our amazing playscheme continues to receive high praise, not only from parents and children, but also from Ofsted.

“Play is an important part of a child’s learning, so it’s no surprise that this service is highly valued by many families. The feedback we received from parents, children and now from this Ofsted report shows that we meet the needs of our children and young people first.”

The council operates an ACE scheme, which helps families with the cost of holiday play provisions within the Three Rivers area. More information can be found here.