The level of care at a children’s home has received high praise after an Ofsted report found it ‘outstanding’ last month.
Sunflower House, run by Bedford Borough Council, was inspected by Ofsted in July this year who assessed the quality of the homes provision.
The home provides short breaks for five children with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and sensory impairment.
In both the Safeguarding Children and Young People, and Leadership and Management categories, Ofsted found the children’s home to be Outstanding.
Ofsted’s report also highlighted that the home’s Overall Effectiveness is Good. This rating was similarly given in the Children and Young People and Quality of Care categories.
Cllr Sue Oliver, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Social Care at Bedford Borough Council, said: “Parents and families are able to have a break while their children stay at the home, and safe in the knowledge that their children are in a happy and secure environment. I congratulate everyone involved in helping to produce such a pleasing Ofsted report.”
Further findings revealed how ‘young people with high levels of complex needs are supported to make good progress’. The care provided was noted as ‘personalised and takes account of the individual needs of each young person as the staff team is very experienced and highly skilled’.
Reference was also made to very clear record maintenance which ensures that medication accompanies young people into the home at the start of each period of short break care.
The report also noted ‘staff embrace equality and diversity in their day-to-day practice’ and ‘have acquired skills in a number of different communication methods. For example, with the assistance of a music therapist, the staff now recognises how some people react to their voice being a higher pitch than normal’.
The home is acknowledged as ‘a place where children and young people can benefit from new experiences, friendships and nurturing care’. The residents were discovered to view the home as ‘a good home with a happy atmosphere’.
To view the Ofsted report in full visit www.ofsted.gov.uk
