Great news for all at The Bay Children’s Centre, this in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Another Island children’s centre had been judged to be outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.
The Bays Children’s Centre, which operates from sites at Shanklin CE Primary School and next to Sandown Bay Academy, was given top grades in every category inspected by Ofsted during a visit earlier this month.
It is the third Island children’s centre to be judged ‘outstanding’ while a fourth has been rated as ‘good’.
“Treated as individuals”
Inspectors found The Bays made outstanding provision for its families and that both locations provided a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where families felt relaxed and at home.
The Ofsted report adds: “All are made to feel special by staff and are treated as individuals. The centre’s feedback of services provided shows a 100 percent satisfaction rate “¦. families feel comfortable with the centre staff; they know they can approach them at any time.”
The leadership and management of the centre was also highly praised and an ‘exceptionally wide range of activities covering a plethora of subjects’ was highlighted along with the ‘exceptional’ progress made by children.
“Helped turn lives around”
The report found: “Inspectors heard first hand of the many cases where the centre had helped turn lives around. It fulfils its aim to improve the chances for its families extremely well.”
A further key strength highlighted was the comprehensive and cohesive partnership working, especially with (children’s) social care, to provide practical support and assistance quickly and effectively which in many cases helped prevented the need for other services to become involved.
The centre is managed and run by Furzehill Childcare Centre Ltd on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council.
“Magnificent service to Island families”
The report was welcomed by councillor Dawn Cousins, cabinet member for children’s services and education who thanked all the staff for their work in ensuring The Bays earned its outstanding judgement.
“Once again I am delighted that another of our children’s centres has been shown to be offering a magnificent service to Island families. We will continue to work with the providers we have chosen to run these centres on our behalf to maintain – and improve where possible – the excellent service we offer across the Island.” she said.
Jill Wade Smith, centre manager and director of Furzehill Childcare Centre Ltd, added: “We are delighted with the outcome from our recent Oftsed inspection which acknowledges the exceptional work of the centre staff and the partner agencies in developing and providing an outstanding service for our families and community.
“We are extremely proud of our achievement. Reaching such a high standard is credit to the hard work and commitment of the all staff and professionals who work for and at The Bays Children’s Centre.”
Image: Nanny Snowflake under CC BY 2.0
