Children’s centre rated as ‘outstanding’

Parents and children at Derby Street Children’s Centre with a copy of their Outstanding Ofsted report

Parents, children and staff at Derby Street Sure Start Children’s Centre are celebrating an excellent Ofsted report this week, as inspectors graded the centre as ‘outstanding.'

Inspectors visited the centre on the 19 and 20 January and awarded the ‘outstanding’ grade in every area which included the overall effectiveness of the centre in supporting families, the centres ability to continue to improve and make further impact on the local community and the effective leadership and management of the centre.

Inspectors were very impressed with the impact made on centre users as families testified of their improved healthy lifestyles, feeling equipped to keep their children safe and protected, how the whole family were enjoying and achieving educationally and the quality of care, guidance and support on offer.

The inspectors noted:

“This is a highly effective children’s centre that serves its community exceptionally well. Throughout the inspection all those spoken to were unequivocally positive regarding its impact. Parents say without this centre and groups I don’t know what we would do, they are an absolute necessity that benefits all our children.”

They also praised the multi-agency team saying:

“The outstanding progress of children and families is the result of superb leadership and management of the high-quality provision across the full range of services. 

"Excellent partnerships working across the partner agencies ensure the extensive range of excellent services provided are constantly changing to meet the meets of the community. Multi-agency professionals share expertise and their excellent ‘team around the family’ approach results in outstanding outcomes.”

Pauline Goulding Centre Leader said: “We are all absolutely delighted with the outstanding grades. I am extremely proud of all the staff, partners and parents. Their dedication and commitment to Derby Street Children’s Centre has been reflected in the fantastic Ofsted report. We want to share the brilliant news and celebrate with all the families and children and thank them for making our centre the place it is.”

Councillor Surinder Biant, Cabinet member for Children’s School and Families added his congratulations saying: “Children’s Centres have once again proved their exceptionally good childcare provision and outstanding service for the whole family in this excellent Ofsted report. 

"I am particularly impressed to see the evidence of personal care shown to families and services tailored to individual circumstances. This provides the very best service for Heywood families. Derby Street Children’s Centre are clearly making a very real impact across the whole community. 

"Congratulations to all the staff at Derby Street Children’s Centre.”

Derby Street Children’s Centre will now hold a tea party in celebration of the outstanding results. Parents, children, staff and partners will be invited to the special session that will be held on Monday 21 March.