WARRINGTON’S Westlands children’s home, which provides short breaks for young people with complex needs, is celebrating yet another year of “outstanding” Ofsted success.
The short break home received the highest possible rating in its latest inspection, making it the 12th consecutive time the home has achieved the impressive result.
The team at Westlands, which is run by the borough council, have once again been praised by Ofsted inspectors for their work to provide high quality respite care for children and young people between the ages of three and 17 with complex health needs, autism, and disabilities.
The home received the maximum rating in each of the three categories in which it was judged – the overall experiences and progress of young people, how well they are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
Inspectors found that children are well cared for by a consistent and highly skilled team, and that staff form lasting positive relationships with the children, helping them to settle quickly into the nurturing environment.
Staff were praised for understanding each child’s unique methods of communication and making sure that children’s wishes and feelings are heard and responded to, as well as supporting them to achieve their long term outcomes, such as being more independent with their mobility and personal care.
Inspectors found that the home manager has embedded a strong safeguarding culture in the home, investing in specialist safeguarding disabled children training so staff have the skills to help children to learn how tell someone when something is worrying them or if something hurts.
Ofsted also praised Westlands for providing children with opportunities which expand their life experiences through a wide range of stimulating activities to meet their sensory needs, hobbies and interests, including trips to zoos, going to local parks, sports, train rides, messy play and crafts in the home.
Deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for children, families and education, Cllr Jean Flaherty, said: “To achieve their 12th consecutive ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report is a phenomenal achievement and a true testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone at Westlands.
“Although this is yet again another fantastic result, the team are never complacent and work hard every day to provide an outstanding level of care and support, which means children make excellent progress and the short breaks enhance the quality of their lives.
“It’s clear that the staff are doing an exceptional job – their commitment and care for each child shines through in the report; this latest Ofsted success is very well deserved.”
