Cornwall’s Care Services Praised By 98% of Parents and Carers
This deserves to be shouted about and let’s hope that more will follow.
Cornwall’s Care Services Praised By 98% of Parents and Carers
Source: Cornwall Council
Published Monday, 4 July, 2011 – 14:11
1,278 parents and carers from 39 children’s centres took part in this year’s family satisfaction survey which was carried out by Cornwall Neighbourhood for Change (CN4C) during March and May.
98% of respondents, who included parents, grandparents, step parents, aunts and uncles, said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their children’s centre, an increase of 1% on the results of the 2010 survey.
94% of parents and carers highlighted the quality of information and advice they had received over the past twelve months, with 98% praising the friendliness of staff, a 4% increase on last year’s figures; and 98% expressing satisfaction with the facilities – a 5% increase on last year.
Overall respondents said they were very happy with the range of services on offer at the centres and welcomed the opportunities they provided for parents and children to socialise. Particular praise was given to quality of specialised services which are available, including WILD and young parents groups, parenting and family support programmes and services for parents of children with additional needs.
Only one parent reported they had been dissatisfied with an activity they had taken part in – a 3% improvement on last year’s results.
The most common suggestions for improvement related to changes in opening hours and session times (with some concerns over lack of sessions in the afternoon and sessions clashing with pre-school and work commitments); facilities (particularly parking, temperature and size); refreshments and booking systems.
Angie Andrews, the Children’s Centres Project Manager for the Council’s Children, Schools and Families Directorate, is delighted by the results of this year’s survey. “Parents, carers and children are at the heart of what we do in children’s centres and I’m delighted that they appreciate children’s centre services to this extent.
“Our challenge next year is to maintain this level of satisfaction despite the impact of reduced Government funding to the Council. However we remain committed to supporting families especially at times of need so that children can flourish and develop to reach their full potential.”
Neil Burden, the Council’s Cabinet member for Children’s Services said “Children’s centres play a central role in the lives of thousands of children and families in Cornwall and I am delighted that this survey shows that parents and carers are very happy with the services they are receiving“.
“This is a tremendous achievement at this time of change and reducing resources and I would like to thank the staff who are working so hard to provide this much needed support to parents and carers”.
