By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 14:15, Wednesday, 18 July 2012

A Carlisle children’s centre has been ranked outstanding by Ofsted inspectors who were “astounded” by the enthusiasm of those who use it.

Inspectors said they were ‘bowled over’ by the passion the parents and children spoke with about the facilities and staff at Newtown Children Centre, in the west of the city.

They said particular progress had been made by those who didn’t speak English as a first language and that children with difficulties and special needs were particularly well supported.

The centre, on Shadygrove Road, Raffles, opened last September and runs a wide range of activities for children and their families. It covers Belle Vue, Castle and Denton Holme electoral wards.

The inspectors visited the centre on June 20 and 21 and said it was delivering high quality services that enhanced the lives of those in the community.

Ofsted inspector Elaine Clinton said the centre users told them how their confidence had been improved by going and how staff helped “find ways to improve lives.”

“We felt privileged to hear the different stories of how the centre has helped [them],” she concluded.

“We were astounded by their enthusiasm for the centre during our meetings and the openness with which [they] spoke. We totally agreed with [them] that the centre is a very warm and welcoming place to be.”

The report said the centre covered an area with 1,259 children and, of them, 79 per cent were classed as being in the most deprived areas. More than half were living in families where no one is working and 50 per cent were in receipt of free school meals.

Ms Clinton reported that the children said staff “couldn’t do enough for them” and they had helped raise their aspirations.

The centre made “an amazing difference” to lives, she said, and the staff were committed to providing an outstanding service.

Children’s Services manager Nicky Robley, said they were absolutely delighted.

Stewart Young, deputy leader with the county council, said: “The impact of having a presence there has contributed greatly to more positive outcomes for families who use the services provided,” he said.

Carlisle West Newtown Sure Start Children’s Centre is planning a celebration event on August 16 from 11am to 2pm.

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk