AN out-of-school club in Prestwich has been asked to improve after a visit from inspectors.

Education watchdog Ofsted sent monitors to the Smarties group at St Margaret's Primary School in Heywood Road, Prestwich, on April 27, which has 126 children on its books.

In the report, inspector Joanne Ryan said opportunities for staff to learn from each other are not always used to their full potential and there are not enough opportunities for children to learn to be independent.

She also said that Smarties should have informed Ofsted of a change in its committee membership and, in not doing so, showed a lack of knowledge of the rules.

The report said, in order to meet its requirements as a childcare provider, Smarties must keep Ofsted informed of any such changes in future.

Ms Ryan also recommended that Smarties allow children to become more independent by, for example, preparing their own snacks, and that staff have continuous professional development.

She also listed a number of strengths displayed by the club.

"Children participate in a wide variety of interesting and stimulating activities. As a result, they enjoy coming to the club and are motivated to take part in new opportunities," said Ms Ryan.

She added that children are happy, settled and content because staff are friendly and welcoming and give youngsters a good understanding about to keep safe.

Smarties' committee chairman Diane Hill said: "The club manager does have an up-to-date knowledge of the requirements.

"Her extensive qualifications and experience are confirmation of this.

"There was a small anomaly with the paperwork for one member of our committee which was rectified immediately."

She added: "The report shows that the children in our setting are well cared for and happy.

"Our staff are caring and concerned and the well being or our children is of paramount importance.

"The children have a wide and varied range of opportunities to enjoy and we see our club as a continuation of the learning environment.

"This is a good club with a happy staff. The children love attending.

"Over the last 10 years, the club has increased in size significantly because of this."