A Medway Council-run children’s care home has received a glowing report for the support and understanding it provides for young people.
The Medway-based home, which cares for Medway children who experience emotional and/or behaviour difficulties, has been rated good overall by Ofsted after being visited by inspectors on 7 and 8 April.
It is the first time the children’s home has been inspected, having been registered in October 2024. Ofsted inspectors looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, as well as assessed the effectiveness of the service, and how it meets the core functions of the service.
In Ofsted’s report, published on 22 May, inspectors recognised the good oversight managers have in providing good, child-centred care, and that the children are cared for by ‘skilled and passionate staff’.
The staff support is the best thing about living in the home
All measures are taken to help support children moving into the home with inspectors observing how ‘children settle quickly and form positive, trusting relationships with staff.’ The report acknowledged how children speak positively about staff, saying that the way staff support them is the best thing about living there.
Staff are proud of the impact they have made, with children making good progress. The report referenced how the children ‘have learned to express themselves in positive ways and this has led to a reduction in behaviour incidents.’
The care home provides children with the opportunity to explore their interests, with inspectors recognising the bespoke care aimed to support and provide activities of interest to each child. Staff also arrange trips, such as to theme parks and the seaside. Children also enjoy having their family and friends to visit to spend time together and enjoy activities.
The report also recognised how care home staff are committed to helping children reach their full potential, with inspectors noting how children ‘truly feel that they are heard and involved when it comes to important decisions.’ Ofsted recognised the work – alongside social workers and education professionals - to encourage and support children with learning, particularly those who may have been out of formal education for several years. The report acknowledged how the children spoke with great pride about this achievement and recognised how significant learning is in giving them more options for their future.
Positive impact of new children's home
Cllr Adam Price, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “I am really pleased Ofsted saw the overwhelming passion and commitment from all the managers, staff and social workers, but more importantly I am incredibly proud of the positive impact the new home has already had on some of Medway’s children and young people.
“One of the council’s main priorities is to deliver quality social care and community services, and this children’s home is a vital piece of the puzzle in supporting Medway’s children and young people. The home offers a safe space for children and young people with emotional and/or behaviour difficulties. Staff build trusting relationships with the children and put support in place to help them become safer due to their needs.”
Cllr Adam Price also commented on his immense sense of pride for all the children and young people who, he recognises, have also put in a sheer amount of work to develop and open up a brighter future for themselves.
'Incredibly proud of all the children and young people'
Cllr Price added: “I am incredibly proud of all the children and young people involved – they have had to learn to adapt and have worked exceptionally hard to overcome their own challenges. I have also heard about their tremendous efforts to focus on upcoming exams and qualifications. I wish all the young people due to sit exams in the coming weeks the best of luck and I am looking forward to congratulating them in person and hearing about the next opportunities that have opened up as a result of their hard work.”
Medway Council’s Children’s Services department and care home managers are now working hard to further improve the care and support provided and addressing the recommendations. This includes improving internal plans on children’s individual targets and support needs, and oversight of progress, as well as ensuring that an independent person visits the children’s home at least once each month and provides a report to Ofsted.