A children’s centre in the heart of Brighton has been judged “outstanding” by independent inspectors.
Ofsted, the government watchdog, delivered its highest accolade after inspecting Tarner Children’s Centre in Ivory Place, Brighton.
The report by Ofsted praised the centre for its excellent range of high-quality services, provided with outstanding care, support and guidance for families from the staff.
The centre opened in 2005. It is run by Brighton and Hove City Council and other local organisations including the local NHS, the Friends Centre and the Brighton Unemployed Children and Families Project.
The inspection report said that the centre was successful for many reasons, including excellent leadership at all levels and a warm, welcoming and safe environment.
The report said: “Staff are highly effective at sensitively assessing the individual needs and skilfully identify those who are more vulnerable and require targeted services.”
One parent who regularly uses Tarner told the inspectors: “The centre is like my family and friend.”
Councillor Vanessa Brown, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We know that the first few years of a child’s life are important so it’s wonderful that Ofsted has rated this centre so highly.
“This is a centre where families with children under five can access a whole range of facilities including adult education, health advice and specialist services such as speech therapy.”
It’s really rather sickening to see the conservative Councillor Vanessa Brown revelliing in this praise. The administration she serves in has already cut Sure Start budgets Locally and Sure Start teams are based at TCC.
Perhaps she could pledge that such a gem will continue to be funded at current levels by BHCC?
But at least Sure Start has not been dropped, considering the huge savings the Council has had to make, mainly due to considerable overspending and mismanagement by the previous administration.
Vanessa has been an excellent Councillor for many years, especially for the children and youth our our City.
This looks ripe to be flogged off to some giant conglomerate. Cherry picking is the order of the day