Staff at a children’s centre in Redbourn said they are “thrilled” at being graded Outstanding in their latest Ofsted inspection.

The education watchdog visited Redbourn and Villages Children Centre over two days in July and said children attending the centre’s sessions make very good progress from their starting points and as a result move into school as “extremely confident learners”.

The centre has been operating in the Redbourn and Watling wards for seven years and is based on the same site as Redbourn Infant and Nursery School.

The range of activities offered by the centre includes support at the local community baby clinic, antenatal group, breastfeeding support and baby massage.

Inspectors who visited the centre rated the service outstanding because the pursuit of excellence is “relentless”.

The report said: “The overwhelming majority of families, including priority groups, are engaging successfully with the centre and benefiting from the high quality services.

“Specific workshops help parents grow in confidence and improve their parenting skills very well.

“Listening to the views of parents is something that the centre does routinely.

“The centre is at the heart of the local community and is held in very high regard by those that take advantage of its activities and services.”

The centre celebrated the report yesterday with a party for families that use the service. Mrs Byrne, headteacher of Redbourn Infant and Nursery School, said: “The centre puts the needs of local children and families at the core of everything it does and the recognition from Ofsted is richly deserved.”

Mrs Waters, centre manager, added: “We are thrilled with the outcome and would like to thank everyone who has supported us.”