623 Club

Safeguarding concerns dominate the choice at 623 Club, based at The Scout Hut on Dukes Drive in Curbar. At its April 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding standards not met and leadership and governance to need urgent improvement, identifying gaps in safeguarding knowledge, uncertainty about escalating concerns, inadequate preparation of deputies and failures to notify significant changes; the compulsory and voluntary Childcare Register requirements were also unmet. Leaders failed to recognise safeguarding risks involving staff conduct and suitability, and did not consistently understand how to respond to allegations about staff.

At that inspection, oversight was inadequate, leaders lacked a secure grasp of legal requirements and had failed to keep their knowledge current. Required actions included improving oversight and staff support, training and coaching to strengthen interactions and children's welfare and experiences, with a deadline of 14 May 2026.

The club has capacity for 38 children. In April 2026, children attending were aged 4 to 10: the daily experiences described here belong to that school-age provision.

In April 2026, construction blocks and arts and crafts gave children different ways to play, while visits to local play areas extended activities into the surrounding community. Children enjoyed spending time with friends. Outdoor physical activity was provided daily, giving them opportunities for exercise alongside indoor play.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. In everyday activities, this means helping children understand behaviour, develop social skills and independence, and learn healthy routines. These were areas in which the April 2026 findings identified shortcomings, rather than consistent strengths.

At the April 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, and inclusion to need attention: staff did not consistently explain behaviour boundaries or sustain engagement, everyday interactions offered too little support for independence and social learning, and training did not adequately prepare staff to meet individual needs, including special educational needs and disabilities. At that inspection, leaders also lacked the knowledge to obtain advice and support to improve provision for individual children's needs.

In April 2026, staff worked with parents to understand children's health and dietary needs, and food handlers had appropriate training. Snacks were nutritious and prepared with choking risks in mind.

Communication had practical strengths at that date. Staff spoke frequently with parents, and unexpected absences were followed up with families and the school. A comment box gave children a way to contribute suggestions. These mechanisms supported communication, but families need to weigh them alongside the safeguarding findings.

The address is The Scout Hut, Dukes Drive, Curbar, S32 3YF. In April 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 07:30 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. These were opening windows around the school day.

At that date, children walked from school to the club under staff supervision. Staff indicated when to cross roads, although those journeys were not consistently used to teach children about road safety. For families considering this arrangement, the collection journey matters as well as the time spent at the club.

• Safeguarding changes. The April 2026 findings concerned recognising risks within the club and knowing how to escalate concerns. Ask what changes have been made to safeguarding leadership, staff understanding and deputy cover.
• Support during activities. In April 2026, some children lost interest in activities and ran around, while staff sometimes shouted over noise. Ask how staff now support engagement and explain behaviour expectations.
• Fit for your child. The April 2026 age range was 4 to 10, with school collection forming part of the day. Which ages and collection arrangements would apply to your child's booking?

623 Club's April 2026 provision suited a school-age routine, with opening windows before and after school, opportunities to play with friends and daily outdoor activity. The safeguarding and leadership findings carry greater weight than those practical attractions. Families considering the club should make its response to those findings central to their decision.