Grove House Children’s Centre in Southall is the first in Ealing to be given an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted.

The centre which opened in 2003 and helps around 450 families each year was visited by an OFSTED inspector on 26th June. It achieved the ‘outstanding’ ranking because of its excellent work in supporting children, families and the wider community.

The centre in North Road caters for 120 three to five year old pupils and 20 under three olds.

There are currently 24 children’s centres in Ealing and two more due to open later this year.

They have helped an estimated 34,000 families since 2007, including many families with young children living on low-incomes.

They provide a variety of advice and support, bringing services for children, parents and carers together in one welcoming and easily accessible place.

Some of Grove House’s popular services include children’s play sessions, employment advice and a computer club.

They also run courses such as baby massage, cookery and family numeracy. They also host a support network for local child minders; provide speech and language therapy and run a toy library.

The centre also houses a nursery providing full-time childcare for children from 3 months – 5 years. Ofsted also rated it as ‘outstanding’ in a separate inspection in January.

Inspectors singled out a number of areas for praise including its “outstanding leadership and management”, its “warm and welcoming environment” and the way that the centre makes “a real difference to families’ enjoyment of, and success in, education.”

Himisha Patel, the Head of Centre, said: "This report reflects all of the hard work that our staff have put into the centre. We are passionate about improving the lives of children and their families and this Ofsted rating recognises that."

Councillor Patricia Walker, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: "My heartfelt congratulations go out to everyone involved in making Grove House such a success."

"They have helped thousands of children have a better start in life than they might otherwise have had and I am very proud of the outstanding work they do."

To find out more about the services on offer at Grove House Children’s Centre, go to www.grovehousecc.com.