A RESIDENTIAL family centre where parenting can be assessed has received a Requires Improvement To Be Good rating in its first ever Ofsted inspection.

Oikos Family Assessment Centres, at Walk Hill Farm off Apperley Lane, was visited by the education watchdog on December 8 and December 9 last year.

The centre, which houses families and provides assessments that are independent, child-centred and detailed, according to best practice and childcare legislation, was registered on September 22, 2020.

It had a monitoring visit in March 2021, but this is its first full inspection.

Oikos can accommodate up to four families - who have their own bedrooms and share communal rooms, with a large garden - and was full when Ofsted visited.

The report said: "The residential family centre is not yet delivering good assessments, help and care for children and parents.

"However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted."

One of the main issues Ofsted picked out was that the registered manager was unable to provide evidence that an updated DBS check had been obtained in relation to one staff member and that unexplained employment gaps "provide opportunities for unsuitable people to have access to vulnerable children and adults."

The report states: "The provider sent further information to Ofsted in response to the identified shortfalls.

"The information was sent after the inspection feedback had been shared with the provider, and therefore the evidence cannot be considered.

"The registered manager could not evidence that all written references had been verified.

"The gaps provide opportunities for unsuitable people to have access to vulnerable children and adults."

A spokesperson for Oikos Family Centres said: "The report highlights areas we need to improve to become a good provider. We do not shy away from this, and we have already implemented the recommendations made by the inspectors.

"Ofsted noticed one of the staff files which was missing a DBS at the time of inspection. This was to be found misfiled. Although we sent the evidence to Ofsted, unfortunately Ofsted would not consider it.

"We are now all fully staffed, and all recruitment is back up to date in line with the National Minimum Standards.

"Employee files have also been reviewed and are now complete. Staff attend regular training session which are mandatory including supervisions.

"We have also employed two Team Leaders and a second full time Social Worker to assist the Registered Manager.

"Ofsted have also agreed to grant the variable application to increase the number of families subject to staffing levels. We are now able to increase.

"Our Statement of Purpose has been reviewed and an area we were exploring has been temporarily removed.

"We are a new provider and still in our infancy, however the recommendations from the inspection have been dealt with to ensure consistency and accuracy.

"We welcome the report, and we will continue to improve our service to achieve best outcomes for families that are placed with us."