A charity and early years setting dedicated to supporting children with special needs has delighted education inspectors by achieving the top outstanding rating across all inspection categories.

Ofsted has rated the Peter Pan Centre as outstanding for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Parents and carers told inspectors that children are excited when they arrive at the centre, in Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Once there, they are greeted by “smiley” staff and are eager to start their day.

Ofsted say the children feel safe and happy, managers and staff tailor every aspect of play sessions to support individual needs.

The report also praises how staff supported children during Covid-19 lockdowns. For example, staff made videos of themselves reading stories to send to children’s homes.

This meant children recognised the Peter Pan team when lockdown ended. During the lockdowns, staff ensured all parents and children were supported. Managers visited homes, delivering play and learning resources to parents.

At the centre, staff demonstrate high expectations for children’s behaviour.

Ofsted say that all interaction is done in a calm and positive manner and this helps children to understand and follow rules and routines.

Inspectors also praised the way trustees and staff at the charity work in partnership to maximum effect.

Ofsted say children’s communication development is always a high priority at the Peter Pan Centre. They describe one example, which was witnessed by an inspector, where staff grabbed children’s attention by shooting shaving foam high in the air. They repeated the words “ready, steady, go” each time they shoot the foam into the air and the children joined in enthusiastically.

Training and supervision of staff is also excellent, state Ofsted. Child safeguarding is also praised and the centre maintains detailed records of children’s health and well-being.

The Peter Pan Centre is a charity dedicated to providing life-changing care and education for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Founded in 1969 as a playgroup for children with disabilities, Peter Pan has evolved over the years and has an experienced and highly trained early years education team.

Catherine Cook, the centre’s Chief Executive said: “It’s a fantastic report and it’s wonderful to be able to share it with our supportive team of staff, trustees and parents.

“Lockdown was difficult for everyone and presented real challenges for the children we care for. Everyone rose to that challenge magnificently and I’m delighted that Ofsted has recognised this in this glowing report.”

ENDS

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