A FAMILY centre is celebrating being named ‘outstanding’ in its latest report from Ofsted.
Kendray and Worsbrough Sure Start was handed the highest rating possible, with ‘outstanding’ ratings across the board.
Nicki Scase, nursery manager, said hearing the judgement was ‘absolutely fantastic’ after the staff’s hard work.
“Myself and the whole team have worked tirelessly over the last year,” Nicki said.
“Over the course of a year I have seen such a transformation in the whole team, but the nursery in particular is now a totally different place.
“We have implemented a new approach, the ‘curiosity approach’, that gives children real resources and extends all their learning at home into this setting.
“And we take a holistic approach with regards to families and support them every step of the way whether it’s educational needs, financial advice or targeted family support, empowering them so they don’t need to access support in their later life.
“A lot of people are proud of what we have done and we have achieved this together - we have good partnerships with parents, and without them there wouldn’t be a service.”
The family centre, on Overdale Avenue, Worsbrough, held a celebration event with staff, council representatives and families, last Friday.
Sarah Tattersall, cabinet support member for people, spoke at the event: “Barnsley Council is really very proud of the hard work of the dedicated staff here. They go out of their way to talk to parents and make them feel comfortable, and that is so important. The outstanding report is testament to the work of the staff.”
Parents who attended the event were full of praise for the Sure Start centre, which provides early education for two to four year olds.
Shanna Catling, 23, has used the centre for more than a year.
“My little one really looks forward to getting here, when we come she’s already saying bye to me before she gets through the door,” Shanna, of Daw Croft Avenue, Worsbrough, said of her two-year-old daughter Skarlette. She also brings seven-month-old son Skyla to the nursery.
“When I first signed up I came in and could hear them singing with the kids in the other room. And the staff were really welcoming. She knows most of them by name now.”
The Ofsted report says the centre improves children’s ‘natural curiosity and explorative nature’ with a well-planned environment. The report also highlights the children’s behaviour, opportunities to join in and the preparation they are given to move onto school.
