Islington Council's Children's Services won two prestigious national awards this week, confirming the borough's position as a shining example of best practice in early years provision.
The Partners in Excellence Awards 2006 took place on Monday 4 December to recognise the best of the best in children's services up and down the country. Cherie Booth QC presented the awards.
Islington Council won two awards to add to the growing trophy cabinet for its innovative approach to building on previous Sure Start programmes and developing Children's Centres.
Willow Children's Centre, Holbrooke Court, Tufnell Park Road, N7, won in the category 'Building for SureStart'. This award recognised work done to transform the existing gloomy building into a modern, accessible and practical resource for the community. At the ceremony, Willow Children's Centre was described as 'a tranquil oasis in urban Holloway'.
The building's layout has more space for the nursery, a covered outside play area, and windows at child's eye height. There is also space to provide training sessions for parents and carers, and for community activities.
Islington also won in the category 'Integrating Children's Services'. This award recognised the hard work and consultation that has ensured every Islington family expecting a baby or with a child under five has access to a similar level of service and support, depending on their level of need. This is regardless of where in the borough they live.
All Children's Centres have developed a core offer of care, education, health and family support services. There is also flexibility for Children's Centres to provide additional services that meet the needs of the local community.
The Children's Centres were also praised in this category for their commitment to working with parents and other external organisations, such as the voluntary sector. For instance, every Children's Centre in the borough will have a parents' forum, to involve parents in making decisions about their centre.
Building on Sure Start, Islington is now making sure that not only parents of under fives, but parents of children of all ages have a greater say in shaping services, and telling the council and its partners what works and what is not helpful.
Cllr Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: "Islington's Children's Centres keep proving that they set and reach the highest standards.
"Individual centres like Willow set the bar very high for other centres in London and across the UK. Islington is also setting the standard for borough-wide planning for its Children's Centres. Parents and carers from across the community, voluntary groups and all parts of the public sector working together are what make a Children's Centre successful. It's also what makes a real difference to all the children and families who use it .
"I'm delighted for everyone from Islington who was recognised at the awards - their dedication deserves this national recognition."
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008