AN out-of-school club in Accrington has been told it needs ‘significant improvement’ after being given the lowest possible score by Ofsted.

Stonefold Sharks, which looks after more than 60 children up to the age of 17 at Stonefold Church of England School, in Rising Bridge Road, was labelled ‘inadequate’ by inspector Linda Shore following a recent visit.

The inspection report, published earlier this week following an inspection last month, said the club, which runs from 3.15pm until 5.45pm during term times and charges £30 a week, was also told it needed to improve in 2010.

Although staff provide ‘a safe and welcoming environment, which helps children to relax and have fun with their friends after a busy day at school’, Linda Shore found several failings after speaking to the manager, staff, and children, looking at documentation, and observing activities.

She said: “Managers and staff do not have sufficient knowledge and understanding of how to support children's learning and development and therefore, the quality of teaching is poor.

“Leadership and management of the out of school club are inadequate. The manager is not sufficiently familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage document.”

However, the children were found to be happy with ‘welcoming, friendly, and caring staff’, and enjoyed fresh air and exercise, and were encouraged to have healthy snacks.

Nobody from the club was available comment.