Ventnor Children’s Centre has been praised by Ofsted and judged as outstanding following an inspection last month.
Inspectors found many excellent features, noting its "high-quality provision and excellent targeting of services to families" and "highest priority given to safeguarding". They recorded outstanding in 14 out of the 15 areas inspected over two days. Ofsted found the centre to be "exceptionally well led and managed by senior staff" and "a very strong commitment from all staff and others who work with the centre to provide the best possible service to every family in the local community". The centre has been led and managed by the national charity Spurgeons since April 2010. Successful at engaging parents A significant strength highlighted in the report is the way it engages parents and children in all of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage for children up to the age of five. Its use of modern technology, including text messaging and social networking had proved particularly successful in engaging teenage parents in the centre’s activities. This has helped the centre to engage 100 per cent of the children in its reach area. The report also highlighted an exceptionally high satisfaction rate and engagement from parents. Positive feedback noted in the report included "really friendly centre", "the parenting courses are brilliant – have really improved my parenting skills", "really wonderful crèche service whilst visiting the counsellor’ and described the centre as an ‘invaluable resource". The Isle of Wight Council was praised for providing effective support and challenge, particularly in providing high quality data, measuring performance outcomes and parental satisfaction. Spurgeons was also praised for its robust recording systems and use of outcome measurement tools. The quality of interaction between the centre staff and partner agencies – including social care staff – was also highlighted as being integral to the centre’s success. 'Committed to helping families' Head of centre, Kathy Whitewood, said: “We are thrilled to be judged as outstanding by Ofsted, it is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team of staff who are committed to helping families with young children in the Ventnor area. We are very proud of the services we offer to the local community and are delighted that our work has been recognised in this way.” Councillor Dawn Cousins, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “The centre offers families an exceptionally high standard of care and support to families and I am delighted that it has been recognised by Ofsted. The centre is incredibly important within the local community and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making such a positive impact on those using the centre.” The report is available to view in full on Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk
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