A Bradford children's centre which parents say has proved their 'salvation' has won high praise from Ofsted.

The highly-rated Canterbury Children's Centre in Little Horton received its first inspection by the Government watchdog in October.

The centre offers a wide range of services for under-fives and their families with 72 nursery places, as well as a special unit for disabled youngsters, a creche and parents' classes.

It serves the Canterbury estate, an area of high social deprivation where two in five of the youngsters are new to English.

Inspectors were impressed by the way the centre combined extremely high quality teaching with a caring atmosphere.

The report, just published, says: "Relations between adults and children blossom. The children work very well together and show respect and care for one another. The rich cultural diversity of the children is used very well to support racial harmony. The children are keen to try things out for themselves and tell everyone how much they love their nursery."

The imaginative use of the arts in the curriculum means children leave with higher-than-average creative skills.

Inspectors also highlighted the partnership with parents, who are encouraged to attend special classes. "There is a bustling energy about the centre that embraces parents and leads them into new life-enhancing experiences," the report says.

"Parents speak in glowing terms of how coming to the centre has changed their lives for the better. Several express the view that it has been their salvation, rescuing them from isolation or depression."

Head teacher Sharon Hogan said: "We have had a lot of changes over the last few years and this report acknowledges how staff, parents and the community have worked together to ensure our children get the best possible start in life.

Mark Foster, director of Bradford Council's community involvement and lifelong learning, said: "We have always had a high regard for the work at Canterbury Children's Centre and it is good to have this confirmed by Ofsted. I would like to congratulate Sharon Hogan and all her staff on the excellent work they are doing."