Leaders and staff at an Almondbury out-of-school club are inspirational.

Children are extremely happy at Doodles, based in purpose-built premises at Almondbury CE (C) Infant and Nursery School. They participate enthusiastically in a wide range of exciting activities.

Ofsted inspectors could not find fault with the out-of-school club and have given it a 1-Outstanding grade in a report full of lavish praise.

Insp Jane Tucker said: “Children move confidently around the setting, freely accessing an exciting and stimulating range of resources.

“The superbly presented and resourced environment enables children to initiate their own learning, show their creativity and make decisions.

“Children are extremely settled, happy and content in their environment. Parents play an active role in guiding the way as they provide clear and comprehensive information about their children and their home life.

“Excellent partnerships exist between other providers, the local school and external agencies.”

The club has 80 children aged eight and under on its roll. It is run by husband and wife team Marco and Becky Zaffino and three members of staff, who are all delighted with the inspector’s verdict.

Doodles is thought to be the only stand-along out-of-school club – not attached to a school or nursery – to achieve an Outstanding rating in Kirklees.

Becky said “We are quite a small family team and we are all thrilled to bits with the Ofsted report. It is very difficult for a stand alone out-of-school club to be judged as Outstanding and we are very proud of that.

“Although we are completely separate, we have a really good working relationship with Almondbury Infant and Nursery School.

“Doodles is all about play and learning through play and I think that play can sometimes be overlooked within education and it is brilliant that it has been recognised.”

Doodles is based at premises at Almondbury CE (C) Infant & Nursery School.

The club opens Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7.30 to 9am and 3 to 6pm during term time and from 7.30am to 5.30pm during holidays.