Canvey pre-school celebrates impressive Ofsted

Little Tewkes, on Dovervelt Road, was rated as good with three areas of outstanding.

In the report inspector Sue Mann praised 22 team members for creating an environment where children are safe, happy and healthy.

She added: “Hardworking and committed to effective teamwork, staff demonstrate a passion to improve the life chances of the community”.

Little Tewkes is managed by Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services.
The organisation are in charge of five other children’s centres across Castle Point- Canvey Community Children’s Centre, Little Lions in Canvey, Little Acorns in Hadleigh, Little Tree House in Benfleet and Little Handprints in Thundersley.

Kim Brand, senior team leader, said: “Over the past few months we have really been working alongside the families and community, and I think that has improved all of our children’s centres. It’s through our partnership with parents that we are able to provide the services they want and need.

“We were positive that all our hard work had paid off and Little Tewkes would get a good Ofsted but to get areas of outstanding was incredible. It would be my dream to get an overall rating of outstanding in our next inspection and we are certainly working towards getting there.”

Little Tewkes were given advice to expand their range of resources and opportunities if they are going to further improve.

All Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services children’s centres aim to provide parents with professional advice on health, education, careers and family matters.

They also give both children and parents the opportunity to socialise.

Mrs Brand added: “You find a lot of families can be quite isolated especially new mums once they have had a baby, so we are there for them and can offer extra support if they need it.

“I think children’s centre are really important for learning and development before youngsters start primary school. They really do play a valuable role for the whole community.”