ENFORCEMENT action may be taken against an out-of-school club after the latest Ofsted inspection found children’s safety and welfare is “compromised”.
The report found the service provided by Energy Kidz, which is run by Junior Adventures Group UK and operates from St Crispin’s Leisure Centre in Wokingham, “does not meet requirements” and, as a result, Ofsted intends to take action.
It found that attempts to make improvements “have not been fully effective” after an inspection carried out last year concluded that there were “significant weaknesses in safeguarding practice” and outlined a series of necessary actions.
Some staff, including the manager, are “not confident” about how to externally report child protection concerns and “do not understand the role of the local authority designated officer and the external referral process should concerns be raised about an adult at the setting”, the report states.
As supervision arrangements had not been successful in identifying those staff who are less confident in their safeguarding knowledge, “children’s safety and welfare remains compromised”.
Chief Child Experience Officer at Junior Adventures Group UK, Craig Jones, said children’s safety and enjoyment are their “number one priority” and he is “disappointed” with the results of the inspection, which took place on Thursday, September 8.
The report did note that induction procedures had improved since the last inspection.
It said staff “clearly understand” what to do in case of a fire, as well as for food hygiene and behaviour management.
Staff also “work well as a team” and plan “a good range of activities” to enable children to relax and have fun after school.
However, Ofsted will be issuing a welfare notice requiring the provider to ensure all staff “develop a more robust knowledge” of all safeguarding policies and procedures, as well as “improving supervision and coaching” so they are effective in addressing the gaps.
Mr Jones said the company has taken immediate action to address the actions set out by Ofsted and pointed to “very positive” feedback that came off the back of a further unannounced visit on Saturday, September 29, claiming the inspector commented on the improvements to the supervision.
“With a follow up inspection now due at St Cripsin’s Leisure Centre within six months, we eagerly await the opportunity to deliver the impact of our robust action plans that will ensure we reinstate the high-quality standards of childcare that we expect from every Energy Kidz service,” he added.
There are currently three members of staff working at Energy Kidz, including the manager.
It serves children from Westende Junior School on weekdays from 7.30am to 9am and from 3pm to 6pm during term time.
