Boroughbridge Children’s Centre has been praised by Ofsted for the support it gives to children and families, and particularly those who experience isolation.
In its latest inspection report, Ofsted rated Boroughbridge children’s centre as ‘good’ and commended staff for their effectiveness at responding to the needs of users who feel emotionally and socially isolated.
Inspectors stated in the report: “Staff are skilled at seeing beyond the obvious and identifying vulnerable families who may not be accessing the support they need.”
Some families who are isolated from their own extended families or may require help to develop parenting skills are well supported at the centre. Users report that they feel welcome and staff put in a great deal of effort to promote children and families’ learning and personal development, Ofsted stated.
Inspectors praised the opportunities children have to learn and play together at the centre and the outreach work undertaken to engage families who live on the local military site at Dishforth, as well as families from outlying rural villages.
Parents value the centre for developing their children’s learning and social skills and the trips laid on for families to go to the seaside. One parent remarked to Ofsted: “I’d never taken my children to the seaside on my own because I couldn’t let them run around, but on the trip there was support for parents and it was really lovely to see the children play together in a different environment.”
The Boroughbridge centre also works closely with Knaresborough Children’s Centre to widen the range of provision for families in the area.
County Councillor Carl Les, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Children’s Services said: “We are very pleased that inspectors have acknowledged the good work that has been developed at Boroughbridge Children’s Centre to give our children the very best start in life.”
