OKEHAMPTON Children's Centre has been rated as 'Good' following its first official Ofsted inspection.

The centre provides free support to local parents and carers of under 5s.

Managed by Barnardo's on behalf of Devon County Council, it was visited by Ofsted inspectors in March. They rated it as 'good' for both overall effectiveness and capacity for sustained improvement.

Based at Okehampton College, the centre also supports Chagford, Meldon, Belstone, South Zeal, South Tawton, Sticklepath, Whiddon Down, Gidleigh, Throwleigh and Drewsteignton.

Activities include parenting courses, breastfeeding support, baby massage, first aid, play sessions, help with speech and language, and signposting to health services, training and employment.

Barnardo's staff have worked with almost 1,000 families since the project opened five years ago.

The report said: 'The centre is led and managed by staff who have a good knowledge of the local area and community.

'The non-judgemental and caring approach ensures that sessions are conducted in a friendly and supportive manner. As a consequence, families build up trust and feel that staff have their best interests in mind.

'Attendance rates are high, including from the more deprived parts of the centre's reach area. (It) is an inclusive establishment, and has developed innovative strategies to successfully encourage a wide range of families to attend by providing specific sessions for young parents, minority ethnic families, parents of children with special educational needs and those who have experienced violence in their homes. The centre is responding well to local issues.'

Areas for improvement include closer monitoring of attendance at sessions in order to increase the number of adults from target groups, more financial advice for families, and closer working with other professionals to help parents get back into employment.

Centre leader Chris Parsons said: 'This was our first Ofsted inspection so we were pleased to be rated as "good", but our ultimate aim is to be "outstanding".

'We endeavour to do all that we can to support children and their families to reach their full potential. We give them a sense of belonging, a place to be heard and feel safe, and an environment that is welcoming, supportive and understanding.

For more information on the centre call 01837 658621 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]