The “dogged determination and commitment” of
staff and volunteers at Huyton’s children’s centres has been
praised by Ofsted inspectors.
The “dogged determination and commitment” of
staff and volunteers at Huyton’s children’s centres has been
praised by Ofsted inspectors.
The five Children’s Centres - Hilltop,
Jubilee, New Horizons, Acorns and The Robins, which serve families
in Huyton and Stockbridge Village, have been given a “Good” rating
from Ofsted, with an “Outstanding” judgement for ensuring access to
services by young children and families.
Inspectors said that the “dogged determination
and commitment” of staff and volunteers at the centre meant that
all local young/teenage parents, disabled children and those with
special educational needs, and almost all babies under one year
routinely engage with the centres.
Ofsted said outreach work with local families
is “very effective”, and ensures that families have the individual
help they need, particularly at times of crisis. It said: “Parents
talk unreservedly of the very effective support they receive at the
centres and of the positive impact on their lives.”
The inspection report also commended the
volunteer programme run by the centres, which it said had helped
some parents “make significant leaps in their confidence, skills
and learning”. Volunteers include lone parents, fathers and teenage
parents, all of whom benefit from “high quality training”, and many
of whom have gone on to achieve higher level qualifications,
including diplomas at Levels 2 and 3 in childcare, and even begin
working towards Foundation degrees.
The work of the Little Stars group - for
families with disabled children or those with special educational
needs - was highlighted, with Ofsted observing that it provided
“crucial” support, advice and guidance. In fact, Ofsted said that
overall support for families with disabled children or children
with special educational needs in Huyton was “exceptional” and is
valued highly by parents.
Close working between Huyton Children’s
Centres, local schools and other early years providers is also
reaping rewards. The group run a range of language enrichment
programmes in local schools and nurseries and Ofsted noted that:
“consequently, children living in the area achieve a good level of
development by the end of Early Years Foundation Stage, in line
with the national picture.” And: “targeted sessions such as ‘Ready
for Nursery’ have a good impact on improving children’s skills and
school-readiness and most children are well prepared for
school.”
Cllr Gary See, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet
Member for Children and Family Services, said: “Well done to all
the staff and volunteers at all of Huyton’s Children’s Centres. It
is clear to see that their dedication and commitment is having a
really positive impact on hundreds of families.
“Providing families with the right support at
the crucial early years stage not only improves their lives in the
short term but also lays the foundation for later life, making
children more ready for school and improving the prospects of
parents and families.”
Additional
Information:
The five children’s centres which make up the
Knowsley Huyton Children’s Centres group are as follows:
Hilltop Sure Start Children’s Centre, Bedford
Close, Huyton
Jubilee Sure Start Children’s Centre, Twig
Lane, Huyton
New Horizons Sure Start Children’s Centre,
Astley Road, Huyton
Stockbridge Village (Acorns) Sure Start
Children’s Centre, The Withens, Stockbridge Village
The Robins Sure Start Children’s Centre, Pilch
Lane, Huyton
The full report can be viewed on Ofsted’s website at
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/80504