Inspection puts Little Oaks at top of the care class

Date published: 17 March 2010

Crèche facilities offered by a Bury children’s centre have been praised by Ofsted at its first official inspection.

Ofsted has reported that every aspect of Little Oaks Children Centre’s crèche provision is good and strong. Its inspectors said: “Children are very well supported by consistent and experienced practitioners and as a consequence they make good progress in their learning and development. Staff are enthusiastic and team work is effective.”

The inspectors added: “Children quickly develop a sense of security and benefit from the support of the sensitive staff team in making their time in the crèche an enjoyable learning experience.”

The report also commended the active promotion of parental involvement and the partnerships built with other professionals.

Little Oaks co-ordinator Debbie Margiotta said: “I’m delighted that the dedication and care that the team here has put into delivery of our crèche services has been recognised by Ofsted. It’s a massive pat on the back but a welcome and justified reward for hard work and commitment. We are a relatively new centre and can only build upon the success of this first inspection.”

Little Oaks Children’s Centre is part of the Government’s Sure Start initiative and provides a range of family support services from its purpose-built base on Hazel Avenue and new satellite Community Room at Fairfield Primary School.

As well as crèche facilities it provides expert advice from midwives and health visitors, parenting courses, “play and stay” sessions for parents, carers and their children, and home support visits. It also host surgeries with local councillors, the police and other agencies and has links with childminders, schools and other information and support services such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Job Centre Plus so that employment and benefits advice can be offered.

It serves expectant parents and families with children aged under five living on The Trees, Topping Fold, Rochdale Road, Pimhole and surrounding areas in East Bury.

For further details of available courses and services, call 0161 253 6999.