PARENTS have praised their “lifeline” children’s centre after it was given the seal of approval by Ofsted inspectors.

The Leys Children’s Centre, in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was the first children’s centre in the county to be inspected by the education watchdog.

Inspectors rated its overall effectiveness as ‘good’ with some ‘outstanding’ aspects, including its care, guidance and support.

Parents have said the centre had changed their lives and one mother said it had helped her deal with domestic abuse.

In 2007, the centre incorporated centres at Pegasus School and Windale School and now reaches around 40 per cent of the estate’s under fives.

As well as play sessions and childcare, the centre offers advice and support, as well as courses including massage and cooking.

Vickey East, 27, of Blay Close, Blackbird Leys, takes her children Elleigh, five, and Charlie, one, to the centre.

She said: “I have used the centre since January and it has completely changed mine and my children’s life. Charlie is quite hyper-active and it calms him down and I’m doing courses, so I’m furthering my life.”

Elleigh said: “I like painting the best. My mum likes coming because she doesn’t have to cook lunch.”

Tracey Palmer, 28, of Tarragon Drive, Greater Leys, mother of two-year-old Caroline, volunteers at the centre.

She said: “It has built my confidence back up and helped me integrate my child with other children.

“I had low self esteem and low confidence before, and I didn’t like going out and being with people.”

Mother-of-three Paula Mitty, 42, of Dunnock Way, Greater Leys, said: “It’s fantastic, it’s helped my family a great deal. The family has gone through domestic abuse and without their support I don’t know where my family would be.

“It is important that they are inspected because they are dealing with people’s lives. They deserve all the recognition that they can get.”

Inspector Wendy Ratcliff said: “Under the good guidance of the head of the centre, the staff work very well as a team to provide outstanding levels of care, guidance and support for all its users.

“Some parents told us that they found the support of the centre ‘a lifeline’ when in times of crisis.”

Head of the centre, Jenny Martin, said: “The parents are becoming really active as volunteers, they make up half of the advisory group. I see the parents taking it over in a way, and running it more as their centre.”

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk