A residential home for children with complex learning difficulties and disabilities has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors.
The Cherries, run by Dorset Council, is based in Weymouth and provides long-term care and accommodation for up to nine children.
Ofsted visited the home in April and looked at the following main areas:
- the experiences and progress of children and young people
- how well children and young people are helped and protected
- the effectiveness of leaders and managers
Inspectors said that the staff provide child-centred and consistent care. As a result, the children experience care that is tailored to their individual needs, that provides them with security and stability, helping them to grow in confidence.
A wide variety of opportunities and experiences are offered that promote each child’s individual development and progress, and staff proactively plan activities that they know the children will enjoy.
Leadership and management of the home is good and feedback from parents and professionals has been unanimous about the high quality of care and help that the children receive. Children are helped with building their ‘life story’. This takes the form of individual albums that contain photos, mementos and monthly summaries. These records increase the understanding that the children have about their histories, background and experiences.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help, told KeeP 106; “We’re delighted that The Cherries has been rated as good by Ofsted. The managers and the staff are dedicated and passionate about providing high-quality care and support. They have worked very hard to ensure that the young people who live there receive the best possible care. I know they’ll continue to learn and raise the standards based on the feedback received.”
Areas for improvement at The Cherries include reviewing the amount of health and safety signage around the building to improve the home-feeling of the environment and to ensure that the environment is consistently maintained and furnished to a high standard.
Read the full Ofsted report here – reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/2/SC032163
