Drumming up some fun

The Arena Out of School Club members had the chance to enjoy some African music in special sessions.

Drummer Kristian Bediiako took along a set of djembe drums from his homeland of Ghana in west Africa for two evenings of rhythm making.

The workshops '“ attended by most of the club's 48 members '“ enabled the infant and junior school children to work as a team and learn more about African music.

The children were also treated to a celebration cake as well as making pizzas and hama beads to add to their enjoyment.

The cause for celebration was an Ofsted report which judged the quality and setting of the club's work at the Arena sports centre in Westloats Lane to be good.

The report followed a visit in September by an Ofsted inspection team.

It stated: "Children who attend the out of school club arrive full of enthusiasm and enjoy seeing the friends they have made that attend different schools during the day.

"Children using the club take part in a wide range of organised activities enabling them to get outside and burn off excess energy after a long day at school."

Staff were well aware of child protection and safety matters, the report added.

The club collects from seven local schools using mini-buses and walking buses.

Once the children arrive at the centre, they receive a healthy snack before the activities take place. The centre also runs a breakfast club which has 24 young members.