Staff and children at an out-of-school club are celebrating after being rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Inspector Amanda Perkin praised the leadership, quality of teaching and personal development of children at OurTime Children’s Services, which is based at Carrington Infant School in Flackwell Heath.

She said the management team at the club provided “inspirational” leadership for the “dedicated and highly effective staff”, who worked “exceptionally well” as a team with a “shared commitment to improve the quality of the provision to the highest standard”.

Ms Perkin also praised staff, saying they provided a “highly stimulating” environment for children with a wide range of activities, adding that children “display high levels of concentration” as a result.

The report said there was an “exceptionally strong” partnership between parents and staff, with parents speaking highly of the “excellent quality of care” the staff provide and saying they feel their children are safe at the club and are “reluctant to leave” until they have finished their activities.

Ms Perkins wrote: “The management team and staff are very passionate about their work at the club and strive for excellence. They highly value feedback from parents and children.”

She added that staff provided a “very well organised” environment where children “have fun and play freely”, and that the children enjoyed using their creative skills and imagination during art and craft activities.

OurTime Children’s Services spokesman Jean Cameron said: “We are delighted at being graded as outstanding by Ofsted.

“The staff have worked hard to achieve this recognition and the report the inspector has written is a true testament to the skills and commitment of Claire King, the manager, and her team.

“We consider ourselves very fortunate that we have the benefit of caring for the children.

“It is a great privilege to be part of a child’s life over such a long period of time from four-years-old right through to Year 6.

“We have been particularly touched by the wonderful comments that were emailed by so many parents when they heard the outcome.”