3 days ago
Kirkleatham Church View children's home praised by Ofsted
A children's home has been praised by inspectors for its "outstanding leadership and strong support", an inspection has View Children's Home in Kirkleatham, near Redcar, was rated as "good" overall after Ofsted inspectors visited in May and June. The home, which is owned and managed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, was judged good at building trust with children and keeping them secure and Laura Wedgewood, who was praised in the inspection, said the work was "stressful" but "so rewarding".
She said: "When you feel you've made that difference to a young person, well, it's a wonderful feeling."
The home provides residential care for up to six children with social, emotional or mental health difficulties and four were living there at the time of the described the overall experiences and progress of residents and the support and protection offered as "good", while the effectiveness of leadership and management as "outstanding."Ms Wedgewood was praised for her proactive and collaborative approach, with the report stating: "The manager has built highly effective working relationships with other professionals involved in the children's lives. "She ensures that all professionals are acting in the best interests of children and challenges appropriately when plans are not being progressed."
Inspectors highlighted the strength of communication with families and professionals, as well as children benefitting from trusted relationships with staff who provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. The home's outreach work was also commended, with parents valuing the support provided and reporting improved relationships with their said children are helped to understand risks such as substance abuse, exploitation and extremism. When children go missing, "staff act swiftly and coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure their safe return", the report said.
Councillor Bill Suthers, cabinet member for children and families, said: "One of the real positives of 'in-house' care by the council's own dedicated professionals within our borough is it can help maintain a child's relationship with their own communities and families when appropriate."That can have enormous benefits for a child."
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