Ofsted praise for outstanding Kirklees children’s home

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Support for some of the most vulnerable children in Kirklees has won the highest possible praise from government inspectors.

After visiting a council-run care home for children and young people with sensory impairment, learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities, Ofsted rated it ‘outstanding’ in every category.

Ofsted examined the overall experiences and progress of children and young people; how well they are helped and protected; and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

The Ofsted report says

  • The actions of the home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people
  • The progress that children make whilst living at the home will have a highly positive impact on their future life chances
  • With respect to children who have complex needs, small steps represent big improvements. It is clear that the progress made by some children is beyond expectations and they are flourishing in all aspects of their lives
  • Staff are very skilled at helping children to keep calm. This means children are less anxious and are happy and relaxed
  • Children benefit from high quality of care. They form strong, trusting bonds with staff, who want the best for them.

Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said:

“The children who live in this setting are not only in care, they also have a wide range of additional needs which are superbly met in a homely environment.

It’s incredibly important to the council that we do everything possible to support their wellbeing and provide the best start in life in every way.

These children are particularly vulnerable and they need extra help, protection and care – the setting gives them a nurturing, happy and long-term home which makes a profound difference in their lives.

To be rated outstanding in all areas is a great credit to everyone involved. We will continue striving to make even more improvements because that’s what our children truly deserve.”

Although the home cannot be named for safeguarding reasons, all of the children’s residential homes run by Kirklees Council are assessed as either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.