Lowestoft children's centre 'outstanding'

A children's centre in Suffolk has been recognised as outstanding by Ofsted.

The Ofsted report said the Riverside Children's Centre in Lowestoft served an area where there were high levels of social disadvantage and deprivation.

The centre had included young fathers and involved parents from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, it said.

County councillor Graham Newman said: "This is a fantastic achievement. The centre is working extremely hard to support the communities it serves."

The report said: "Many centre users went out of their way to tell inspectors how much they enjoyed activities and about the outstanding practical and emotional support they have received. Inspectors agree with their views."

Centre manager, Judy Wright, said: "I couldn't be more proud of my team's achievement.

"Staff and parents really wanted to take the opportunity to tell the inspectors how much they enjoyed being part of the centre, what had already been achieved and what their hopes were for the future."