The Venture recently celebrated its 45th anniversary with a special “birthday party” this summer. This year the centre achieved the highest possible inspection results for both of its main services – something unique in Wales.
The Venture has been operating open-access play work provision since 1978 and stands as the country’s largest and oldest adventure playground. The Venture’s Early Years Centre has also served the community for over 35 years. It is a provider of the Welsh Government’s Flying Start programme. Both of these services are inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) – the national body responsible for ensuring quality and safe care services in places such as care homes, childcare, and play services.
Since its inception, The Venture has strived to unite services in a safe and trusted place. Over the years, they have demonstrated that integrated services are more cost-effective and reach more people. Ensuring they get the help they need more efficiently.
The Early Years Centre
The Early Years Centre has just been awarded “excellent” in every category and they are justifiably thrilled. Meanwhile, the recent inspection of the open-access play services was again “excellent” in every single category. This followed four “excellents” during their 2017 inspection.
It is uncommon for organisations to be awarded one “excellent” and getting more than one is even rarer. Getting four is extraordinary, but for both main parts of an organisation to get four is, The Venture believes, unheard of previously.
What is the secret to such success? A staff team and volunteers who want to achieve the very best for the children, young people, and families that use their services.
Malcolm King, founder and Chief Officer of The Venture, said, “This is the result of 45 years of a relentless pursuit of excellence. Everyone at The Venture believes in the work we do. They constantly go the extra mile, however challenging the circumstances”.
Lesley Griffiths, MS, said, “I have been proud to be a Patron of The Venture for the last 15 years. The outcomes it achieves for families are truly inspiring. These Inspection results provide independent evidence of what a wonderful organisation it is.”
Last year, First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, said, “I remain in awe at everything that has been achieved over the 40 years. The Venture has been an integral part of the life of Caia Park and the life of Wrexham”.
The Venture is the forerunner of Integrated Children’s Centres in Wales. It was first an adventure playground in Caia Park in 1978 to tackle some of the challenges at that time. It has since grown to encompass a wide range of services, primarily for local children, young people and families, but increasingly across a wider area, including North East Wales.
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