Outstanding Ofsted report for Corby children's centre

The nursery in Pen Green Lane, Corby, has been rated outstanding once again by government experts, who visited last month.

It was set up in 1983 and was a pioneer of the Sure Start programme in 1999, and has consistently been praised as one of the leading facilities for children in the UK.

In her latest report, Ofsted inspector Tracey Boland rated the facility outstanding in every area. She said: “Staff have the highest aspirations for all children and each child is valued for their

uniqueness and what that brings to the setting. Teaching is inspirational.

“The leadership and management of the setting are exemplary. The drive and motivation to continually enhance and maintain the highest levels of achievements for all children are exceptional.

“Children are motivated and show interest and curiosity in the wealth of activities and learning opportunities available to them.”

The centre has 379 children on its roll. This is the first inspection since the 2009 report, which was also outstanding.

Deputy head Tracy Gallagher said: “We have been open for 33 years and in all that time we’ve never had an inspection report that’s been anything less than outstanding.

“I think the secret is putting the hard work in every day. You can’t just put on a show for Ofsted.

“It’s about the children, families, governors and staff all working together.

“You can’t be complacent.

“We hold regularly family forums and we listen to what people want and respond to that.

“It’s critical that our children feel secure and listened-to.

“We’re also lucky to have the research base next door. We get people coming from across the country and from around the world.

“They learn from us but we also learn from them.”