A DAY centre for children with disabilities has received the coveted outstanding Ofsted rating.

The watchdog visited Parc Essex at Great Notley Country Park, on June 15 for the inspection.

Early year’s provision at the centre was rated as ‘outstanding’ in all areas, the highest rating an education facility can achieve.

The report praised the centre’s leadership, safeguarding arrangements and said its relationships with professionals and parents were “exceptional”.

Children at the centre made “rapid and significant progress” and staff were said to be “highly skilled in nurturing children’s ability to make decisions”.

The report states: “Children acquire physical and personal independence. They learn how to listen and communicate effectively, making their developing needs and feelings understood.

“All children make excellent progress and thoroughly enjoy their time at the setting.

“They are very well prepared for future learning and their eventual move on to school.”

During a previous inspection in February, the centre was rated ‘inadequate’ as the report claimed that the charity had not obtained DBS checks for those working directly with children. However Parc put the issue down to a clerical error.

Louise Thain, CEO of Parc (Essex), said: “We are extremely proud of the Ofsted Outstanding rating.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Parc, and a testament of the hard work and dedication shown by our staff.

“The Parc team put a huge amount of effort into everything they do and the Outstanding rating reflects this.

“We look forward to offering many more families our services and support in years to come.”

Registered charity Parc provides recreation facilities for children with additional needs and has more than 500 registered families from all over Essex.