INSPECTORS have given a glowing report to a children's centre that is under threat of closure.

On January 20, Bury Council will decide if it will back proposals to shut Toodle Hill children's centre in Cuckoo Lane, Whitefield, and Butterstile children's centre in School Grove, Prestwich.

If passed, the two centres would be turned into nurseries for two-year-olds, leaving Sedgley in Bishops Road, as the only remaining children's centre in Prestwich.

Education watchdog Ofsted visited Toodle Hill and Sedgley centres for a joint inspection on December 11 and 12 and gave them a ‘good’ rating - the second highest of four possible gradings.

Ofsted inspector Michael White said Toodle Hill and Sedgley provide services that led to a significant improvement in the lives of many families.

He added: “Staff are trained well to provide high-quality support and to act as good role models for the parents and children.”

Parent Autumn DePoe-Hughes, who is campaigning to save the centres, said: “I am pleased to hear that Ofsted agrees with us that these centres provide real worth to many families and I hope the council will now listen to this view.”

In the report, Mr White said the Sedgley centre could get an ‘outstanding’ rating at the next inspection if staff get more two-year-olds taking up nursery places – something that would be achieved if the proposal to close Toodle Hill becomes a reality.

But Mrs DePoe-Hughes added: “There is no evidence to suggest that parents will take up the nursery places.

“They want to use the children’s centres as a family. The centres are a focal point of the community.”

The council’s children’s representative, Cllr Gill Campbell, said: “A report going to the Cabinet meeting on January 20 will consider all the feedback from the consultation and the need to improve the two-year-old offer in Bury.

“We welcome all the feedback from the consultation and also the Ofsted inspection report.

“We are working hard to provide the best possible provision for our under fives in an environment of increasing cuts by the Government.

“Bury’s Labour council will always endeavour to protect and improve services for those with the greatest needs.”