Lucy Coleman, the owner and managing director of Furzehill Childcare Centre in Shanklin, has announced the centre’s recent Ofsted success.
“We are absolutely delighted to share that we received a Good rating overall,” Lucy stated. This marks the first inspection for the centre under the new management of LC Childcare Ltd since its opening in September 2021.
Rigorous inspection
The inspection, described by Lucy as robust, was a first Ofsted experience for many team members.
She explained,
“Every single one of them performed exceptionally well and demonstrated their passion and commitment to the setting.”
She further praised her team, calling them “an absolute inspiration” and expressing her pride in their performance.
Impressive feedback
According to Lucy, achieving such a high rating on a first inspection is rare under the new Ofsted framework.
“The report is one of the best that I have read,” she said, noting the positive comments about the centre’s provision. A representative from the Local Authority was also present during the feedback session and took notes.
Parental and community support
The support from parents and carers was overwhelming. Many reached out to discuss the setting’s impact, indicating strong community ties and satisfaction with the centre’s services. The provision for children with special educational needs (SEN) was highlighted as a particular strength.
“The knowledgeable and passionate SENCo knows the children’s needs well,” Lucy noted, adding that the staff work closely with outside agencies to support both children and staff effectively.
Staff enthusiasm and challenges
The centre’s staff expressed their enjoyment of their roles and felt valued and supported. However, Lucy acknowledged minor feedback on staff deployment during busier times, which was pointed out during the inspection.
“We totally feel that this is a little picky and that she needed to find something,” Lucy commented, committing to consider and act on the feedback as necessary.
Broad-based approvals
Feedback recorded by Jane Thurbin from the Local Authority praised the setting’s ambitious curriculum and effective strategies for supporting children with additional needs. “Support for children with SEN is done really well,” Thurbin noted.
The setting’s integration with local community activities, like visits to the local care home, and its robust safeguarding measures were also highlighted as strengths.
Furzehill Childcare Centre has made a significant impact under its new management, earning commendation from Ofsted, parents, and the local community alike. With committed staff and strong leadership, the centre looks set to continue its positive influence in the Shanklin area
