As we look forward to Ofsted publishing their Children’s social care data for England 2023, we wanted to share our ratings which show that across Keys, 94% of our homes were rated outstanding or good at the end of the 2022 inspection year cycle, an increase from 86% the previous year.
This demonstrates the consistently high quality of care provided by Keys in our residential children’s homes, with inspection outcomes 14% higher than the national average in England for 2022.
In Keys, of our 116 homes in England, 17% – a total of 20 homes- are rated as outstanding which reflects a five per cent increase on the previous year’s outstanding ratings held by Keys’ homes. Across all residential children’s homes in England, the national average number rated as outstanding stands at 12%.
Pauline Paterson, Director of Quality at Keys, said: “We are naturally extremely pleased with the number of homes which demonstrate excellent quality care and support in this way.
“Our aim always is to offer the very best trauma informed care and support for children and young people and to continue making the improvements, innovations and investments which benefit children in our care.”
Across the homes rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the progress made by children was described as “extraordinary” and “magical” and one of the homes, Tourmaline, achieved its outstanding rating for an incredible fifth time in a row.
There was particular praise for one home organising a first family holiday for a child with highly complex medical needs. As a result of “meticulous planning” the child had a ‘safe and enjoyable time’ and created special memories. Another child, previously unable to communicate, is now able to do so, sharing their feelings and needs.
Inspectors also praised the “exceptional progress” made by children who are “content and happy” in “caring, highly supportive and nurturing” homes.
Deanmount and its “passionate staff team” was rated “outstanding” for the second consecutive inspection. It is a home, inspectors said, where “children are flourishing and their progress continues to be outstanding”. For one child, this means that following an eight-month introduction period, he will be moving in with a new foster family.
Mill House and its ‘exceptional’ Manager. is a place “filled with joy and laughter”, inspectors said, adding “children flourish at this home”, Moor Lane was also found to be ‘outstanding’ in all areas for the second year running and a family member described the work the home does as “priceless”.
Another home found to be outstanding in all areas was Old School House, which also achieved the rating for the second time. Staff, the report said, “share a passion for improving the lives and opportunities for children. Children are flourishing in school and at home.”
Pauline continued: “Providing consistently excellent quality care is our absolute focus and a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. A vitally important part is in closely monitoring the quality of that care in many ways – in the context of our own organisational standards, of regulatory standards and best practice in the wider sector.
“Although so many of our homes are rated as good or outstanding, much higher than the average nationally, we are constantly striving to make improvements. Our ambition always is for all of our homes to be rated as outstanding.”
