A CARE provider supporting young people with disabilities and learning difficulties has received high praise from national inspectors.

West Berkshire Mencap's early years provision was rated 'Good' by Ofsted, while an 'Outstanding' review was given for the quality of personal development, behaviour and welfare.

Inspectors previously rated the service as 'Requires Improvement in 2015, but the July visit identified significant improvements.

The Enborne Gate charity runs support groups and services for children with learning difficulties and inspectors reserved a special mention for the quality of activities and interaction.

The report reads: "The management has addressed the actions from the last inspection.

"Leadership has high expectations and supports the staff to have appropriate training for the play scheme.

“The recruitment processes for staff and volunteers are robust. Staff and volunteers are actively deployed throughout the session.

"Safeguarding is effective and staff know how to gain additional help if they have concerns about the children's safety and well-being.

"Children, including the most vulnerable, use the outdoor area very well. All staff extend the children's play opportunities so all children have fun.

"The management works very well with professional and voluntary partners.”

Despite the glowing success of the Ofsted visit, staff and management were keen to implement recommendations, with a view to securing an overall 'Outstanding' rating.

West Berkshire Mencap is aiming to encourage volunteers to help children to connect with others and to help support each child’s personal development more effectively following the feedback.

Emily Buckmaster, children’s services manager at West Berkshire Mencap, added: “We know from feedback, as well as the children’s smiles and enthusiasm that they feel cared for and happy.

"To have this reinforced by Ofsted is wonderful for the team of staff and volunteers.

“We have already begun to implement the recommendations on a day-to-day basis and have included a section in our standard volunteer training on the importance of engaging with each child while playing together.

"We are always looking for dedicated volunteers who would like to help and we were awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2011 for the number of teenagers that work with us.”