Children’s centre rated “good”

Shropshire Council’s Craven Arms area Sure Start children’s centre has been judged as “good” by Government inspectors. 

In a report published this week, Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) said that the Craven Arms area children’s centre “serves the needs of its community well”. 

The centre, which has a main base at Stokesay Primary School in Craven Arms, is one of 18 children’s centres in Shropshire which offer a variety of services for families with children under five years old. 

Inspectors commended the centre for providing “effective team-working and partnership working with other services”, and for being “extremely successful in its targeted work to support children and families who are in most need of support”. 

Ofsted highlighted that the centre has leadership and management which shows “a deep commitment to creating links within the community”, supported by a “very committed, dedicated team who deliver a good service to families”.  

Feedback from users and partner agencies expressed how the staff are valued for the way they work to ensure that families receive the support they need and to improve lives, particularly for those families that feel isolated. 

The report praised the centre for having “established firm foundations”, adding it “has demonstrated that it has a good capacity to improve further”. 

The Ofsted report summary for centre users informs parents that the centre has been asked to do just three things to improve further:

•  Increase the proportion of families using the centre’s services, concentrating on those who may benefit the most
•  Use information collected more effectively to plan for further improvements
•  Make sure that the Advisory Board is challenging managers in a robust way.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:

“This is the third children’s centre area in Shropshire to be inspected in 2011, with each receiving a good or outstanding rating. 

“Ofsted’s recognition of the effective work of the staff is well-deserved praise, and I am delighted that this commitment has been recognised. 

“The report highlights how the children’s centre is improving opportunities for families with children under five years old.  Children’s centres play an important role in preparing children for school, helping parents in their role and improving health and well-being. 

“I would encourage anyone interested to find out more about what children’s centres can offer.” 

Anne McKinnon, Craven Arms area children’s centre manager, said:

“This report is a credit to everyone involved with the centre.  We are really pleased to see Ofsted’s comments that parents and families felt the centre is “supportive and staff are kind and caring and give good advice”.”

A Shropshire councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, David Evans, said:

“It is very positive news that this children’s centre has got off to a good start with such a glowing report from Government inspectors. 

“I congratulate the dedication of the staff and all involved who have made this a great asset for Craven Arms. 

“Let’s hope this will go from strength to strength to prepare children for the next steps in education.”

Councillor James Gibson, also representing Shropshire Council for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, said:

 “I am delighted by this report and well done to all those involved.”

Shropshire Councillor for Corvedale, Cecilia Motley, said:

“I was very pleased to see Ofsted’s recognition of the commitment and dedication of Craven Arms Sure Start staff to working with families and children in need of support, and actively seeking to improve opportunities for children in life, particularly in socially isolated families.  

“This is such a valuable service and I am confident the centre will now go on from strength to strength.” 

Inspectors visited the centre on 23 November and 24 November 2011. 

For more information on Craven Arms children’s centre, which covers Craven Arms, Church Stretton and surrounding areas, contact manager Anne McKinnon on 01694 723465. 

For further details about children’s centre services go to shropshire.gov.uk 

Further information

Shropshire Council’s Sure Start children’s centres provide a range of services for families with children under five years old including:

• Information and advice to parents and carers
• Parental outreach services
• Family drop-in sessions
• Child and family health
• Links with Jobcentre Plus
• Early learning and childcare
• Childminding
• Family support
• Support for children and parents with additional needs 

For more details about Ofsted, go to http://www.ofsted.gov.uk