Ofsted has accused a Highbury after-school and holiday club of putting children “at risk”.

Elizabeth House, in Hurlock Street, was criticised after inspectors found a member of staff didn’t have a first aid certificate.

The club, launched last year for four to eight-year-olds, was given a “requires improvement” rating – third on a scale of four – in a report released on Saturday, though teaching was found to be “good”.

“The manager does not ensure at least one member of staff with a paediatric first-aid certificate is present with the children during outings,” the report read, “for example when escorting children from school – which puts children at risk

But it praised the “broad range of activities”, “happy and confident children” and the “positive relationship with parents”.

Natalie Renaud, director, responded: “The inspector was otherwise very impressed with our provision. But one care worker didn’t have the first aid training. It’s an administrative issue that will easily be resolved.”

The report also criticised the system for monitoring staff performance: “[It] is not always consistent, in particular to ensure staff receive regular support and training to improve their ongoing performance.”

Ms Renaud added: “I had been in my post for seven weeks and was in the process of developing a programme for all our staff.”

A second inspection is expected at the end of year. Ms Renaud said she is aiming for an “outstanding” rating.