Nursery World - The Old Moat Children's Centre, Withington, Manchester

* A place where 'everyone is valued, ideas are encouraged and where everything is regarded as possible'. The Old Moat children's centre in Withington, Manchester, received this glowing endorsement from Ofsted after an inspection in November. It is high praise from the inspectors for the quality of early years education, childcare and family support services delivered in an area which ranks in the top 5 per cent most disadvantaged in the country.

It is high praise from the inspectors for the quality of early years education, childcare and family support services delivered in an area which ranks in the top 5 per cent most disadvantaged in the country.

Head of centre Gerri Ross says the Old Moat had a head start, as it was dubbed a 'children's centre' in 1989 when it opened as a local authority day nursery. 'Having that childcare on site over a number of years has meant that the community already has that relationship with the centre, and obviously our staff - and we have a low turnover - know the community very well. The children who came here when it first opened as a nursery are now bringing their own children,' she says.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included