CHILDREN make “exceptional” progress in all areas of their lives and receive “excellent care” at Keys Group’s Deanmount residential children’s home which has been graded “outstanding” by Ofsted.
Deanmount supports young people who have experienced trauma and who experience complex challenges. In their latest report, Ofsted found the home was outstanding in all areas saying “the home contributes to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.”
The children told the inspectors they: “like living at the home, that staff are fun, and they care about them. One child referred to the home as their ‘Deanmount family’.
Inspectors also praised the staff team who, they said, are “passionate about providing the best possible care in a nurturing environment”. For one child, they said, their progress means that their placing authority is planning for them to move to foster care.
The report also highlighted the home’s positive approach to education for its young people saying: “children attend education, progress well and are motivated to work hard and achieve.”
The wide range of opportunities for children to enjoy activities “helps improve confidence and self-esteem” and, for one young person this positive engagement had helped him reduce the time spent playing video games.
There was recognition too of the challenges caused by COVID-19. The report added: “During one particularly challenging time, when children and staff at the home had COVID-19, some staff remained at the home for several days so the children received care and consistency from staff they knew well. As a result, children coped well and had fun despite being unwell.”
David Manson, Chief Executive of Keys Group, said: “We are delighted that the outstanding work by our team at this home has been recognised by Ofsted. The team at Deanmount should be rightly proud of the positive outcomes they have helped children achieve.”
