Children’s centre rated “good”

Shropshire Council’s Highley area Sure Start Children’s Centre has been judged as “good” by Government inspectors.  

In a report published this month, Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) said that the Highley area Children’s Centre “is a good centre as a result of the shared vision and commitment of many people who serve its community well”. 

The centre has a main base at the Severn Centre and is one of 18 children’s centres in 12 clusters across Shropshire which offer a variety of services for families with young children. 

Inspectors commended the centre’s achievements and recognised “the significant impact” the centre is making to “breaking down barriers in this rurally isolated community”. 

The report highlighted how: “The centre works well with its partners to improve the life chances and personal development of parents and children”. 

It found that “provision to help children learn and develop is good, activities are well located and well attended”, and that the centre “celebrates all achievements, no matter how big or small, consequently raising aspirations, confidence and self-esteem for all”. 

Inspectors noted that: “Parents report on how the staff support them through difficult times and that, without help from the children’s centre, their lives would be very different.” 

They singled out partnership working as “a particular strength of the centre and a credit to all those involved”, praising partners as “passionate and dedicated in working with the centre to improve the health, safety and economic well-being of families”. 

The report added that: “The manager and staff’s knowledge of the reach area is good….(with) good understanding of the main strengths and the areas for development.” 

In looking to the future, the report recognised that the centre had a good capacity to improve, and could build on this by: 

• Providing further opportunities for parents to increase their knowledge of the Early Years Foundation stage.
• Working closely with the council to provide more accurate and up to date data.
• Supporting further development of members of the advisory board. 

Karen Bradshaw, Shropshire Council’s director of children’s services, said:

“This is another excellent report for our children’s centres, which highlights how the care, guidance and support provided by staff and partners is making a real difference, and that the centre offers good value for money.  Children’s centres play an important role in preparing children for school, helping parents in their role and improving health and well-being. 

“The views of parents and carers are very important to us – and it is wonderful to see how families really value the support the team provides.  All staff and partners should be extremely proud of this report. 

“Any families not already benefitting from children’s centre services are urged to please contact the team to find out more.” 

Anne McKinnon, Highley area Children’s Centre manager, added:

“This report is a credit to everyone involved with the centre.  We are really pleased to see Ofsted’s comments, particularly that the centre is making a significant impact and has increased the number of families accessing good-quality services. 

“It is also great to hear that parents feel better able to support and enhance a healthy lifestyle for their families as a result of attending sessions, and that children have an increased enjoyment of books and improved language skills.” 

Inspectors visited the centre on 20 March and 21 March 2013. 

For more information on the Highley area Children’s Centre and children’s centre services in surrounding areas, contact Anne McKinnon on 01694 723465. 

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

Further information 

Shropshire Council Sure Start Children’s Centres provide a range of services for families with young children 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 with additional needs.

To read the report click here.  For more details about Ofsted go to www.ofsted.gov.uk.