School club 'feels like a second home'

STAFF at a sports coaching group have been praised for going “above and beyond” at an out of school club at Hambrook Primary School.

An Ofsted inspection in November found that operator Future Stars Coaching had met its requirements.

The sports coaching and mentoring organisation has been running term-time day care for 44 pupils, aged four to 11, at the school in Moorend Road since the end of 2020.

Inspector Charlotte Adcock's report said children thoroughly enjoy their time in the “welcoming, inclusive club”.

She said: “They arrive extremely happy and keen to take part in the physical 'warm up' games.

"Staff greet children warmly and develop strong relationships with them. They are good role models and have high expectations for children's behaviour.”

The report, the first to be carried out at the club, says staff carefully consider children's interest when planning activities and providing resources.

The inspector said: "Children learn about healthy eating habits and hygiene routines, and independently know to wash their hands when they come in from outside play or before eating.

"Children understand what staff expect of them and develop their sense of responsibility and being involved in club life."

The inspector met parents who spoke highly about the club and its staff, telling her it "feels like a second home".

She said: "They say their children look forward to attending, often not wanting to leave at home time."

Future Stars Coaching employs more than 55 staff at 50 schools in North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Owner Ben Hazeldine said:

“I’m so proud to be part of an organisation that delivers such high quality provision - and it’s great that the hard work has been officially acknowledged by Ofsted.

He praised school head teacher Jenny Rubel, saying: "She has been an incredible leader, developing the team at the school - and we’ve loved supporting her to deliver such an outstanding service for the families of Hambrook Primary School.

"We’re keen to build on this positivity by inviting more parents to try the sessions over the coming weeks."

Head of wrap around care Leanne Selman said: “The team care so much about the welfare of the children and it’s great to know it’s been recognised by Ofsted.

“Jenny and the team have worked tirelessly to create sessions and ideas that the children love, and we’re looking forward to developing the provision even further.”

Appeal to trace owner after dog's mutilated body found

ANIMAL welfare charity the RSPCA is investigating after the mutilated body of a dog was found dumped in Coalpit Heath.

The dead greyhound had its tail and ears removed, and had been dumped down a drain.

The RSPCA was contacted by a member of the public who found the male dog's body in a field off Box Hedge Lane, close to the railway line, on December 31.

It is investigating how the dog came to be dumped and is appealing to the local community to share any information they may have.

RSPCA inspector Kim Walters, who is investigating, said: "This was an upsetting and distressing discovery.

"While at this stage we cannot say for certain how he died, it is concerning that he had been dumped down a drain after having his tail and ears removed.

"We suspect his ears were removed because they were tattooed and would have identified the owner.

"Unfortunately, his microchip is unregistered but we’re trying to find out more information on the breeder, to help establish who owned this dog.

"We’d like to find out if anyone saw anything suspicious in the area which may help me trace those responsible."

Anyone with information about the dog should contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

Cruelty incidents can be reported at the RSPCA website, www. rspca.org.uk, where it is also appealing for donations and volunteers to help with its work.