Children supported in an outstanding residential children’s home “make exceptional progress” in the home which also “enhances their life chances”, inspectors have found.
Ofsted inspectors recently visited Woodacre, part of Keys Group, and found the overall experience of children was “outstanding” and that the experience of living in the home “completely enhances life chances for children”.
Inspectors noted that all children living in the home attend education, achieve well and have a high attendance rate adding that one professional said that this was the first placement in which the child had ‘really engaged positively in education’.
Another professional spoken to by inspectors said: “The home has provided the child with stability and a sense of belonging.’ The sense of security and stability for children is of the highest priority in the home, inspectors said, and that feedback from all children spoken to was “extraordinarily positive”.
Children, they said, feel “safe and settled” while the staff team are “extremely proactive in supporting children to ensure that their voice is heard”. The children, they said, feel “empowered and supported”.
There was praise also for staff’s proactive approach in supporting children to try new activities and have new experiences with inspectors noting: “Staff successfully encourage children to take part in new interests and hobbies.
“Children’s individual achievements are recognised and celebrated by everyone at the home. Activities include cadets, cricket, keyboard lessons and kayaking. Children talked enthusiastically about these activities. These new and exciting experiences help children build confidence, make new friends and develop their unique talents.”
Pauline Paterson, Director of Quality and Regulation at Keys Group, said: “It is rightly difficult for a children’s home to achieve the grading of ‘outstanding’ from our regulators, and it is an achievement to be celebrated. The team at Woodacre has done exceptionally well and we’re incredibly proud of them, and the children, for all they have achieved.”
