AN AFTER school club at an Ayr primary school has been handed a mixed report by the Care Inspectorate. 

Forehill After School Club, located at the primary school, received an unannounced inspection from October 9-10. 

The club is registered to provide a care service for a maximum of 32 children during term time, and a maximum of 48 children during holidays.

Children are cared for in the gym hall and general purpose room, and also have outdoor access to a fully enclosed playground.

There were 125 children registered with the service at the time of the inspection.

The Care Inspectorate evaluates services on a scale of one to six, with one being 'unsatisfactory' and six being 'excellent'. 

The after school club was given a three rating, or 'adequate', for its care, play and learning, and leadership. It was given a four rating, or 'good', for its setting and staff team. 

The report's key messages stated: "Children experienced compassionate and responsive care from staff who knew them and their families well. Children were confident and happy at play throughout most of our inspection.

"The service had recently made improvements to their outdoor area, adding outdoor furniture, an outdoor play cabin and a good variety of loose parts.

"The manager was approachable and visible in the playroom to provide support for staff, children and families."

However, a number of improvements for the service were recommended by inspectors. 

The report added: "Free flow access to outdoors and the development of exciting play experiences would enhance positive outcomes for children.

"The service should develop processes for collaborative reflective practice and meaningful consultation with children and families that influence improvements."

A spokesperson for the club said: "The service was pleased the inspection report highlighted that the children had 'developed positive relationships with staff and were happy and settled, experiencing supportive and responsive care from staff who knew them and their families well'.

"To see that staff’s 'kind and caring interactions with the children' were emphasised is very positive. The feedback from parents shown through the report was encouraging.

"We have already implemented new approaches in the way we gather both the children and families’ views to ensure everyone feels fully involved; which is not always an easy task for the busy, working parents who need the service.

"Knowing that children and families feel well supported because of the positive relationships the staff team have developed with them, undoubtedly drives the team to move forward.

"Having had no inspection in over seven years, we have since the inspection visit last month introduced some different practices and new procedures as we are always keen to ensure we are developing and providing quality of service."