Child Care Solicitors

A childcare service run by Hartlepool Council has been rated outstanding by Ofsted, following a visit by inspectors in April 2016.

Oscars in Catcote Road, Hartlepool provides an after-school childcare service and also operates during school holidays. During term time, Oscars collect children at the end of the school day and transports them to the Catcote Road centre, where they take part in a wide range of educational and fun activities. Parents then have until 6pm to collect their children.

During school holidays, parents are able drop off their children from 8.00am, with breakfast provided for them on arrival. The children then embark on a range of activities prior to being collected by parents by 5.45pm.

Ofsted Inspector Emma Allison praised the leadership and management of the service, calling the leadership “inspirational” – with leaders supporting their staff team to provide “exceptionally high-quality childcare”.

“The arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” states the Ofsted report

“Leaders and staff are extremely vigilant in their approach – they have excellent working relationships with professionals to support the individual needs of all children.

“Staff know children tremendously well – they provide a highly vibrant and stimulating environment based on their current interests. Staff consistently listen to children's ideas and suggestions – this supports children to feel valued and respected.

“The highly stimulating activities on offer complement children's learning at school. Children's behaviour is exemplary – they offer support and encouragement to each other and invite others into their play.

“Children listen attentively to staff and demonstrate close attachments to them – they are kind, considerate and extremely helpful,” says the report.

The reports also highlights the fact that parents speak highly of the council service.

“Parents speak extremely highly of the leaders and staff and of how well informed they keep them – they talk about the tremendous level of confidence their children have gained since joining and of the friendships they have formed.”

Chair of Hartlepool Council’s Children’s Services Committee, Councillor Alan Clark, said:

“Oscars was rated as outstanding by Ofsted in 2012, so to be judged outstanding again under the new tougher Ofsted framework is great news.

“Oscars provides a lifeline to many parents who have to juggle work and other commitments with bringing up their children – and the Ofsted judgement is testimony to the fantastically-run service.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment.”

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