A PADIHAM out-of-school club, which was set up 12 years ago for £1,000, has been given the highest rating by Ofsted.

Bright Sparks Club, which is currently based in St John The Baptist RC Primary School, was graded as ‘outstanding’ following an inspection last month.

Owner Vicky Earrey said the good news meant a lot to her personally and professionally.

The club started out with seven children and now caters for 24 every day and has 77 on its roll.It was rated as ‘good’ when it was last inspected in November 2010.

The mum-of-four said: “I’m really pleased and it’s so amazing to get this rating.

“The club focuses on what is best for the children and it really is their club.

“It’s very difficult to get the ‘outstanding’ rating so I’m delighted. All of my children have attended and I thought that if they were happy then I must be doing something right.

“It has been an amazing journey and to think that something I set up 12 years ago with £1,000 is still going is wonderful.”

The club employs four members of childcare staff and was praised for its leadership, teaching and the personal development, behaviour and welfare of the children. Inspector Janet Singleton said: “The out-of-school club is exceptionally well managed.”