We’re “good”, and we know we are!

Sedgley Children’s Centre is celebrating after being given an extremely positive rating by education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors gave the centre, which is based on the site of Sedgley Park Primary School in Prestwich, an official “good” rating and said it had several “outstanding” features.

The centre offers a range of universal and targeted services including family support, parenting programmes, outreach services and home visiting. It is located in a very diverse community, and around 800 children under 5 who live in Sedgley are registered with the centre.

On every score, the centre scored nothing less than good. Many of the scores were outstanding, including: children’s safety; children’s positive behaviour; the quality of care and guidance offered to families; the way resources are used, diversity promoted and children are safeguarded; and its partnership working;   

“This is a good children’s centre which is highly regarded within the community,” said Ofsted. “As one happy user described it, ‘The centre is such a welcoming, calming place to come to with great happy staff who are always willing to talk and help’.

The inspectors said that children make good progress in their learning and development. Adults demonstrated much improved parenting skills, knowledge of healthy lifestyles and excellent positive relationships.

There was a “high level of user satisfaction” with the good range of quality services and learning opportunities provided. Services were targeted quickly to those in most need, and the centre had an outstanding approach to safeguarding and child protection, and its promotion of equality and diversity was deemed exceptional.

Ofsted also praised the centre’s leadership and management, its hard working and motivated staff, and that it provided outstanding value for money.

Victoria Watson, co-ordinator for Sedgley and Toodle Hill Children's Centres, said: “I am really pleased with the Ofsted report and it highlights how well the team work together including all our partners and how effective we are at delivering a service for all our community. 

“We are very proud of how we have supported the development of community cohesion. Our mission is to ensure that our families are our priority and that services are shaped to meet their needs.  We take pride in the knowledge that families report we are making a difference in their lives and they feel part of an extended family.”

The full report can be read on Ofsted’s website at www.ofsted.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 28 September 2012.

Picture attached: The Sedgley Children’s Centre team (from left) Jackie Kemp, Joanne Rowley, Jan Dixon and Vicky Watson, with Sedgley Bear.