Arnold team gets the Gold

The Arnold Centre, based at Herringthorpe, is the first in the borough to gain the highly-acclaimed accreditation.

The children’s centre and nursery has been judged ‘outstanding’ in its last three OFSTED inspections and staff have been working towards this gold accreditation for the last two years.

The Rotherham Charter asks Rotherham schools, colleges, settings and services to make the commitment to parents, carers, children and young people that they will care, include, communicate and work in partnership with them, recognising trust to be the essential factor in all these relationships.

Head of Centre Anne Anderson said: “We are absolutely delighted to be the first children’s centre and early years setting in Rotherham to receive Charter Gold. The Charter process promotes genuine partnership with parents, carers, children, young people and families - an ethos greatly embedded in the work at the Arnold Centre.

“We pride ourselves on our inclusive nature and we know that our families really value the work we do, the welcome they and their children receive at the centre every day and the expertise and knowledge staff use to achieve the best outcomes for all children.”

Rotherham Council’s Deputy Leader, Coun Gordon Watson, said: “I am delighted that the Arnold Centre has gained gold status.

“The children’s centre is contract managed by the nursery school, so this is a real testament to the school’s dedication to improving outcomes for children and working in partnership with us as a local authority.”