The centre’s determination to pursue excellence in all aspects of its work was noted by inspectors, who rated the centre as good.
Based on the same site at Carisbrooke Church of England Primary School, West Newport Children’s Centre has been managed by The Children’s Society on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council since 2010.
Inspectors praised the centre’s varied programme of events for families which has resulted in the centre successfully engaging with almost three quarters of the families in its reach.
Range of events
Events range from cookery sessions, gardening and activities in local parks which support parents to enjoy playing with their children outside whatever the weather.
The centre’s potential to build on its successes to date was highlighted as outstanding by inspectors, they wrote, ‘the centre’s track record of improvement, understanding of the reach, and strong teamwork between staff and those responsible for governance and accountability give the centre its outstanding capacity to improve.’
Praise for safeguarding
Its safeguarding work and strong partnerships with pre-school providers, health and social services professionals was praised by inspectors. The report also notes that ‘provision for families separated from their children to enjoy supervised visits is highly regarded’ and the centre has gained the full confidence of its partners and the families who attend.
The important work of the centre was highlighted in a case study of a parent in time of crisis who said, ‘I came to the centre because I was confident I would get help. I do not feel threatened when I am here.’ The inspectors found that support for families is tailored to needs, both in the centre and in the home.
Councillor Dawn Cousins, cabinet member for children’s services and education praised the centre for its achievement: “This report shows what a valuable resource this centre is to local families and I would like to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication which is clearly having a positive affect on families in the Newport area.”
Proud of whole staff team
Suze Keynes, centre manager, said: “I am delighted with the outcome that recognises the contribution of all those involved in shaping services at West Newport. The voice of children and families plays a significant part in our planning and delivery and this has been noted within the report. I am proud of how the whole staff team has worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for our families.”
Damian Allen, interim director of children and young people at The Children’s Society, said: “This is testament to the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers at our children’s centre. The charity runs over 30 children’s centres across England and we are determined to give children under five and their families the best possible start in life.”
To date, five of the Island’s children’s centres have been inspected by Ofsted, two have been judged at good and three as outstanding.
Image: Richard Step under CC BY 2.0
