Praise for 'energetic' Thornbury holiday club

AN “energetic” holiday club for children in Thornbury has been given a glowing Ofsted report.

Future Stars Coaching sessions at Manorbrook Primary School, in Park Road, were judged to have met the regulator's Early Years provision standards.

Up to 50 children, aged five to 11, attend the sessions, which run from 8am to 5pm during school holidays.

Inspector Louise Phillips said staff support children's physical health well, and encourage them to participate in a wide range of activities that support their physical and social development.

She said the friendly, welcoming staff build good connections with them.

The report said: “Younger children seek out key persons to help them resolve conflicts and to invite them into their play. Staff offer the children lots of praise and encouragement, which helps build their confidence and self-esteem.”

During the inspection last December, activities at the club included playing a range of board games, which the report said “engages the children socially and encourages critical-thinking skills”.

Physical activities, including a chasing game called 'crazy tag', are held indoors and out.

The inspector said: "This allows children to get out of breath, which supports their overall health and well-being."

The inspector said children told her they enjoyed coming to the holiday club.

Manorbrook Primary pupils with coach Harley Foley and lead coach Felix

Staff meet the needs of all children effectively, including those with special educational needs or disabilities.

The report said: "Staff follow individual plans and work closely with the parents to ensure that the children feel safe and secure at the club.

"They ensure that all children feel included in the activities and their interests are incorporated into the environment."

Regular discussions with parents help plan a range of activities, and parents receive daily feedback on what their children have been doing.

Staff told the inspector they enjoy working at the holiday club and feel valued by the management team. Staff complete regular training online.

Lead coach Felix Britain said: "I’m over the moon with the report.

"Being a resident of Thornbury myself, it’s been great to provide such an inclusive, welcoming and fun club for the children."

Holiday club manager Mollie Payne said: "It shows the team’s hard work is being noticed not only by the children and families, but by Ofsted too. The club has gone from strength to strength over the last several years, with most days selling out.

“The children of Thornbury are so amazing to work with. We’re particularly grateful of the relationship we’ve built with the school, as they’ve allowed us to try new projects and ideas, meaning that the children get the best days with us.”

THORNBURY Library is hosting three Coronation events in May.

A celebration cuppa and quiz takes place on May 3 from 11am-noon.

Two children's events, a Lego 'Palaces and Carriages' session and a 'Crowns for a Coronation' craft session, take place on Coronation day itself, May 6, from 9.30-10.30am and 10.30-11.30am respectively.

A drop-in half-term craft activity, the Royal Farmyard, takes place on May 31 from 10.30am-noon.

Local poet Roger Stennett will host a discussion of his life and work as a playwright, dramatist and poet and his new collection, Forty Poems for Dylan Thomas, on May 20. Tickets cost £3.20 and are available from Thornbury Library and sglibraries.eventbrite.com.

Refreshments will be available (donations to NSPCC).

Keeping warm and well sessions are being held throughout the day on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am-4pm.

The Have You Read book club meets on May 5 from 2-3pm - no set novel, just drop in for refreshments and a chat about books.

Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am - no booking required.

Rhymetime takes place every Monday and Friday, from 9.30-10am.

A Sight Support West of England drop-in support and advice session for people with visual impairments will be held on May 15 from 10am1pm.

A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions on Thursday mornings, with one-to-one sessions available from 9.30am.

The library is open 9.30am-5.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday.

Open access is from 8am-7.30pm every day.

A Home Library Service is available for anyone who finds it difficult to get to the library for books.

For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries.