Staff at three children’s centres have been hailed as “passionate" and "totally focused" following an Ofsted inspection.

The report gave an ‘outstanding’ score to Redbridge West Group 2, which includes the children’s centres of Orchard and Ray Lodge in Woodford Green and Oakdale in South Woodford.

Approximately 2,915 children aged under five-years-old live in the area served by the group with 96 per cent of parents with children two and under accessing services.

On Friday, Redbridge’s Labour cabinet member for children, Cllr Elaine Norman, visited the Orchard centre in Liston Way, Woodford Green, to congratulate staff.

In the report released on Friday (March 27), Ofsted rated the group 'outstanding' in all areas, with staff praised for their passion.

The report said: “The very effective services enhance parenting skills and support the development of healthy lifestyles.

“Parents benefit from excellent support which builds their self-confidence and helps them to take positive steps towards training or employment.

“Those in greatest need receive timely and well coordinated help to overcome personal challenges and get back on track.

“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the group’s staff, who are passionate about what they do, very well trained and supported, and totally focused on improving children’s and their families’ lives and reducing inequalities.”

This comes after it was announced last month that, in planned cutbacks by Redbridge council, core services at Ray Lodge and Oakdale children's centres will be reduced.

Orchard centre will be protected from cuts as it will be classed as a 'hub'.