Top class report for the Oak Tree as it celebrates inspection findings

Staff at the Oak Tree Centre in Rhyl are celebrating after receiving a glowing report following a recent inspection by Care Inspectorate Wales and Estyn, the inspectorate for education and training in Wales.

The Centre provides full day care for children between the ages of eight weeks and 12 years and is located at the Ysgol Christchurch campus. The inspection took place in June.

The report highlights many positive aspects around children’s well-being and notes:

• Nearly all children arrive feeling happy, excited and ready to play, they engage well in activities and interact well with other children. They are happy, relaxed and comfortable with their carers.
• Nearly all children make strong progress with developing a range of skills during their time at the Oak Tree. Most children develop listening, speaking numeracy and creative skills well.
• Staff have a sound understanding of how to keep children safe and healthy and have “a strong understanding of their responsibilities.” All practitioners form “effective working relationships with the children, demonstrating the care and support that provides a solid foundation for learning”.  
• The report also highlighted the opportunities offered to children to learn about Welsh culture and heritage and recognise the importance of providing children with extended period of uninterrupted play”.
• Leadership at all levels provide “effective leadership that in turn has a positive impact of the progress that children make…They create and maintain a clear team working ethic and ensure that all members of staff are valued”.

Councillor Gill German, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Family Services, said: “This report makes delightful reading and I would like to congratulate the whole team at the Oak Tree for such a glowing report. 

“It truly reflects the tremendous amount of great work that goes on there around promoting children’s welfare, providing opportunities for learning and growth and for the children to access a wide range of activities that are fun and engaging.

“It’s a real team effort at the Oak Tree and the report certainly reflects that, with particular references to successful leadership at all levels which has a positive impact on the whole staffing team, as well as the children.

“We will take note of the recommendations made following the inspection and will continue to strive to provide the best possible services for current and future children attending the Centre.”

To view the report, please visit:  http://www.careinspectorate.wales/