Devizes Opportunity Centre is celebrating after receiving the highest possible accolade from Ofsted inspectors for all areas of its work with children with special needs.

Centre manager Betty Newman said: “We are absolutely thrilled. We already knew we were doing our absolute best for the children but it is wonderful to have that endorsed.

“I am so pleased for all of our staff who work so hard and are so dedicated.”

She believes the vote of confidence from Ofsted inspectors will also help the centre when applying for grants.

Our Give Us A Chance appeal is helping to raise funds for the centre after a Government grant cut of £10,000 was passed on by Wiltshire Council.

The centre has to raise £50,000 each year to pay for running costs not met by Wiltshire Council.

The dedicated team were praised by the inspection team who wrote: “Each child is fully included in the centre’s provision.

"As a result, they benefit from much attentive, individual support from committed staff whose expertise fully encourages them to learn and develop.”

The inspectors also acknowledged the excellent team work of staff which enabled children to make very good progress in relation to their starting points.

Parents often speak of their gratitude to the centre which allows their children to receive a wide range of specialist care under one roof and this too was highlighted by the inspectors, who said: “Highly effective and continually developing partnerships with parents and/or carers and other agencies enable staff to meet individual children’s needs meticulously.

"Staff strive to ensure that these links are highly productive in smoothing children’s transitions into full-time education.”

To support the centre’s fundraising fill in the form below.