A SCHOOL’S holiday playgroup run by a voluntary committee has been criticised after a recent Ofsted inspection.

Tottington Holiday Playscheme, which opens at Tottington High School for three weeks during the school summer holidays, was paid a visit last month.

The group received an inadequate rating, representing a sharp downgrading from the previous inspection in 2012 which resulted in a satisfactory rating.

The school and Laurel Play Centre, in Laurel Street, Tottington, hosts the scheme which keeps children entertained with supervised arts, crafts and sports activities.

Inspector Jennifer Kennaugh said: “Some activities lack pace because there are not always enough resources provided.

“Where resources are not sufficient, such as during creative activities, children lose opportunities to be independent.

“This is because they frequently have to ask staff for help, rather than being able to get what they need for themselves.

“However, children generally enjoy the activities provided in their chosen play area.”

There are 17 staff and this year the scheme entertained 159 children up to the age of 17.

Brenda Fairhurst, treasurer of the playscheme committee and overall supervisor at the play scheme on a voluntary basis, said: “The committee is disappointed with the Ofsted report.

“It seems to us that the inspector treated the scheme as a full-time care scheme that runs in their own premises.

“We are a three-week holiday playscheme, organised by a voluntary committee providing safe, supervised, enjoyable activities for children. 

“Our feedback shows that parents, grandparents, carers and children have been happy with our provision for the 39 years that we have operated and hope they will register their views on the Ofsted Parent View. 

“Obviously we are looking at any administrative changes to comply with Ofsted requirements and any other changes for next year’s scheme and inspection.”

To improve, the playscheme must ‘ensure there are sufficient staff qualified in paediatric first aid’ and ‘rigorous checks are made on the suitability of staff over the age of 16 years and committee members.’