A CHILDREN'S centre whose services are used by eight out of ten families within its local area has received a 'good' rating from Ofsted inspectors.

Little Vikings in Watchet was awarded the second highest grade across the board, from its overall effectiveness to its capacity for sustained improved.

In his report, inspector Ian Hancock said the centre - which has a higher number of families registered than most other centres - made good provision for the large majority of children and families within its area.

"Outcomes are good and the overwhelming majority of parents are satisfied with the services they receive," he said.

The centre was also found to have a good understanding of a range of health issues among parents, offering the chance to learn about healthy eating through a community café, breastfeeding and the benefits of keeping active.

Closer partnership working with other providers enabled a wide variety of services to be established within the local area.

And while the centre promoted universal access to most services, it successfully directed families with more acute needs to specialist provision.

"Families receive high quality care and support at times of need," said Mr Hancock.

"Occasionally, support is outstanding."

The quality of care for families was found to be consistently good and at times exceptional.

The centre's volunteer recruitment programme, which enabled parents to take on roles of responsibility, was also praised.

In addition, more than a third of parents using the centre engaged in adult learning or related training and activities.

Strong links with further education establishments and Jobcentre Plus provided additional opportunities for parents to undertake accredited training and enter employment.

The inspection found that members of the advisory board, senior leaders, staff and key partners had a good understanding of the needs of children and families in the local area.

The inspection made two recommendations for improvement - to improve the range of information collated about users' outcomes and broaden the range of opportunities for users to be involved in shaping services.

Sam Fahey, West Somerset Children's Centre cluster manager, said: "We are delighted with Ofsted's recognition that we are good in all areas.

"I feel it accurately reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff to children and families in the community."

Ms Fahey said she wanted to thank the centre's partner agencies, especially CLOWNS and Home-Start West Somerset, for their exceptional contribution to services.

Photo: Steve Guscott