Children's safety 'compromised' at Chesterfield school club

Inspectors visited the Get Set@Cutthorpe Out Of School Club, based at Cutthorpe Primary School, last month and have now published their report.

They found the safety procedures in place at the School Hill site ‘do not ensure children's safety’ – althought the centre says it has immediately acted on the findings.

The report says: “Unauthorised individuals can gain access to the playground and the club room. This potentially puts children at risk of exposure to unknown adults.”

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In her report, Ofsted inspector Teresa Lester says the club provision does not meet requirements and ordered the club to take urgent steps.

“Children's safety is compromised,” the reports says. “Staff do not have procedures in place to prevent unauthorised persons entering the premises.

“Children could leave the club room and playground unnoticed by staff as the playground gate and club room door are not secure.

“Staff do not record the times that children leave the club for school.

“This means that there is not an accurate record of the times that children are in attendance at the club.”

A spokesperson for the club said: “The nurturing setting for our children and their ongoing safety are of paramount importance to us. It is also important to note that we have never had a safety breech at the Get Set club in the past. Despite this Ofsted did highlight that our safety procedures were not sufficient.

“We take very seriously all of Ofsted’s remarks and as a result we would like to inform you that the very next day these issues were addressed and the club is now compliant with all safety concerns and a new system for accessing the building is now in place ensuring the children’s safety at all times.”

The report adds: “The children are happy at the club. They are rewarded with praise for being helpful, kind to each other and for using manners.”

Youngsters are also described as ‘well-mannered’.

“When having meals, they say 'please' and 'thank you' without being prompted by staff,” the report says.