Well done to all involved. This is great news! This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
West Wight Children’s Centre has been praised by Ofsted following an inspection which found the centre to be “good” overall.
Both ‘Staying Safe’ and ‘Safeguarding Effectiveness’ were rated as outstanding by inspectors who said: “A particular strength is the exceptional focus given to keeping children and their families safe. Outstanding safeguarding procedures ensure that child protection is very well managed and highly effective.”
Centre team and volunteers work tirelessly
Laura Villa, centre manager, said: “I am so pleased with the outcome of the inspection. The centre team including our volunteers work tirelessly to support children and families in the West Wight.
“Keeping children safe is the focus of all of our work, to have this highlighted as such a strength by Ofsted is great. I would like to thank all the families who gave up their time to speak to the inspectors, their support was overwhelming.”
“Exceptional focus” and “friendly and happy atmosphere”
The inspectors were impressed with West Wight Children’s Centre’s “exceptional focus given to keeping children and their families safe” and “friendly and happy atmosphere”.
Inspectors found the centre to work well with partners at the local authority, health agencies, education providers and Job Centre Plus, recognising in their report that: “Strong partnership working in the foundation of the good provision.”
It also found rigorous procedures in place designed to make sure support reaches those families most in need. Appropriate systems are used to measure the direct impact of services and the progress made by families using the centre, although Ofsted said this area could further enhanced, along with giving parents greater involvement in the running of the centre. These two areas will be addressed through an action plan being developed by the centre.
“Children’s centres have a vital role to play”
Councillor Dawn Cousins, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “I would like to congratulate and thank staff at the centre for their hard work in providing a wide range of services in the West Wight community. The Island’s children’s centres have a vital role to play in giving children the best possible starts in life and I’m delighted that yet another of our centres has been praised by Ofsted for the quality of services it provides.”
This the seventh Isle of Wight children’s centre to be inspected by Ofsted this year, all of which have been rated as good or outstanding.
Image: Nanny Snowflake under CC BY 2.0
