STAFF at Trowbridge children’s charity Stepping Stones are celebrating this week after they were rated outstanding by Ofsted for the third time in a row.

The inspection, which was carried out in October, found that the team at Longfield Children’s Centre have a highly effective quality of teaching with them accurately assessing children’s stage of development and moulding work to fulfil their potential.

Inspector Paula Gardiner added: “Partnerships with parents and other agencies are highly inspirational, and their shared approach to meeting children's needs has an extremely positive impact on children's development.

“The continuous drive for improvement provides excellent opportunities for staff to improve their practice and continually help children to make the best possible progress and to reach their full potential.”

The centre, which provides support to children with learning difficulties and disabilities in the west Wiltshire area, was set up in 1975 by a group of parents who felt that there was not enough support for young children and they initially located in Polebarn Road.

It moved to its current location at Longfield Children’s Centre in Broadcloth Lane in 2010 and has grown from strength to strength ever since, providing support to around 100 children a year through specialised sessions.

Setting manager, Debbie Wickham said the team were delighted by the news.

She added: “Stepping Stones has always been well supported by the Wiltshire community and we hope this is seen as an accolade of the care and commitment we have towards the children and families we support and valued return for their confidence in us. We just want to say thanks to everyone who has continued to support Stepping Stones because we couldn't have done it without them.”

The children’s centre has been rated as outstanding for a third time in a row – something which Ofsted believes has allowed Stepping Stones to put in place “exceptional” care for children which supports their emotional development and well-being.

Ms Gardiner added: “There are impeccable systems to ensure children feel secure right from the start. For example, key staff make home visits to enable children and parents to get to know them and to become familiar with children's individual needs. This helps children enter their appropriate playrooms with confidence”

Mrs Wickham, who first came into contact with the centre when her son was referred 18 years ago, added: “We hope that this is reassurance to everybody who fundraises for us and continues to support us, that we really do endeavour to meet the hope and expectations of the children and families we work with.”