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Micklemoss House is Outstanding!

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Our 3-bed residential children’s home ‘Micklemoss House’, which is located in Bradford has recently been inspected by Ofsted and received an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’. The home was graded as Outstanding in all 3 areas. This is an amazing outcome for Ben the registered manager and the dedicated care team at Micklemoss House. 

  • The effectiveness of leaders and managers
  • How well children and young people are helped and protected
  • Overall experiences and progress of children and young people

The effectiveness of leaders and managers:

Children benefit from the strong leadership and management of the home. The manager ensures that the home achieves the aims and objectives of the statement of purpose to ‘create a home that the child or young person can identify with as a safe, family unit, through permanent, consistent, and child-centred care’.

The manager understands the strengths and challenges of the home and works creatively to provide the best possible care to the children. He has high expectations of staff, who consistently exceed the standards set for them. Staff morale is high, with staff describing their team as ‘resilient’ and ‘supportive’. Staff commented that, ‘Management are supportive and reflective and also put a lot of focus on staff development.’

The manager recognises individual potential and provides opportunities for individuals to rapidly advance their careers. This encourages staff to stay with the company, which in turn is a massive benefit to children.

Investment in staff in terms of supervision, training and development is a significant strength of the home. An extensive training programme ensures that children are looked after by adults who are confident in their role, with bespoke training provided to meet children’s specific needs. A good deal of informal learning is undertaken, with the manager using resources such as Ofsted webinars to draw on the regulator’s information, expertise, and inspection framework.

How well children and young people are helped and protected:

Children say they feel safe at the home. One parent noted that their child ‘is kept safe here’.

Robust safeguarding is routine and embedded in day-to-day practice. The manager and staff understand the risks and vulnerabilities that children face. They respond decisively to any concerns that arise, escalating these to the appropriate professionals if required. Staffing ratios are high, so children receive the supervision and support they need in line with their individual risk assessments and plans.

The quality of the relationships between children and staff is key to children becoming safer during their time at the home. Staff treat children with dignity and respect, and with warmth and affection. Children’s positive behaviour is recognised and rewarded. Staff are skilled in using a variety of de-escalation strategies to help children manage their emotions. They do not give up on children when things get difficult, but take a restorative approach to respond to negative behaviours.

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people:

One professional said, ‘The relationship staff have with my young person shows that they really care.’

This security and stability helps children to build trust with the adults looking after them and gives them a sense of permanence and belonging. Children say that they love living at the home and want to stay here until they are 18 years of age. They say that the best things about living here are ‘being listened to’ and ‘having fun’. One parent said that their child is ‘progressing well’ and that the home ‘excels in everything they do.’

Children enjoy a range of opportunities that enrich their lives, provide shared experiences and embed them in their local community. Children participate in all the things their friends and peers enjoy. For example, they go abroad on holiday and attend large-scale music events. They support their favourite football and rugby teams, go to Boys Brigade, and try new hobbies such as rugby and cycling. One child has achieved their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award.

Children spend time on the computer, have their nails and hair done for special occasions and decorate their bedrooms to their own unique tastes. Children are made a fuss of on their birthdays and at other special times of the year.

Children receive highly effective therapeutic support from staff, supplemented by direct work from an in-house psychologist. Staff are experts at using opportunities as they arise to help children explore their emotions, to gently focus on specific issues and to help build up resilience and self-esteem.

Everything about the physical environment demonstrates to children that they are valued. One professional commented on ‘the homely, warm and welcoming environment where the children are given unconditional positive regard in the care and support offered’.

This is a fantastic Ofsted inspection report and outcome with comments the manager and whole team can feel proud of in their drive for excellence in children’s social care.

Well done and congratulations to Ben and the care team at Micklemoss House.

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Ogden Moor receives Ofsted Good in all areas

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Described as a home where “staff spend quality time with the children” and where children have “a sense of belonging”, Ogden Moor has recently received Ofsted rating Good in all areas.

A home where children settle quickly

Young people’s social workers who spoke to inspectors spoke positively about how children settle in the home quickly, “because of encouraging support offered by staff” and how children are aware of the emotional wellbeing support that is available to them from the team.

Inspectors commented on how one child said they wanted to remain living at the home “until they become an adult” and how all children are encouraged to partake in and enjoy hobbies and pastimes, such as cadets, listening to music and visiting local attractions.

Children helped in their independence journeys

Restorative’s approach to helping all children embark on their individual independence journeys was noted by inspectors, with staff commented on for helping children to “develop independence skills such as cooking, cleaning and money management”.

The inspector’s letter to the children praised their “homemade cheesecake and pizza” and commented on how the manager and staff team are all proud of their achievements.

“Children can talk with staff about any concerns”

The report detailed how well children and young people are helped and protected and described this as ‘good’ at Ogden Moor home.

“Children can talk with staff about any concerns they have” and children know how to “make a complaint” and access the “grumble box if they wish to share any worries”.

Importantly, the report noted how that children at Ogden Moor are supported to feel safe and know they have a trusted adult, as well as the knowledge of how they can access advocacy support.

Children helped to make healthy choices

Support for healthy choices, “positive care routines” and accessing their own health services was another favourable comment in the report on the work staff do with children to aid their wellbeing. Including, promoting time children spend with their families and fulfilling of their cultural and identity needs.

Support with education

Education is prioritised for all children cared for by Restorative and Ofsted noted how in one instance the manager is working with other professionals to “secure suitable education for one child” who has recently moved to the home. In the meantime staff are “creative in providing […] alternative learning opportunities”, including accessing home tuition.

Well done Ogden Moor

Well done to the team at Ogden Moor on a positive Ofsted inspection and report with some valuable measures for improving care further at this supportive, nurturing home for young people.

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Well done Church View on Ofsted rating Good, with Outstanding for leadership

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Restorative home Church View has received an overall rating of good for it’s care services to looked after children, with a rating of outstanding for the effectiveness of its leaders and managers.

“Staff describe the manager as inspirational”

Ofsted inspectors particularly commented on the ambition manager, Nick, has for the children in the team’s care and how the approach to care, by well-trained, experienced staff supports the children to make “good progress in all areas of their lives”.

Nick was noted for his highly supportive role as manager at Church View, supporting all staff to “excel in their role”, and creating a “culture of high aspiration and positivity through communication, support, and training”.
Staff were described, in turn, as also having high ambition for the children and empowered to advocate for them, particularly regarding outside agencies should involvement fall short of the high standards expected.

“Children are developing a firm foundation on which they can build their future”

From health improvements and academic attainment to children feeling “happy and comfortable” with a “sense of permanence and belonging”, inspectors noted how “staff know the individual needs of children” which helps them feel supported and make progress.

The “firm foundation” the inspectors described also included the positive outcomes children make towards their own independence. Staff were noted for their successful “stepped” approach to helping the children become more independent, with the children themselves feeling “proud” of their achievements.

“Children at this home benefit from natural and trusted relationships with staff”

Inspectors reported on how children have positive, “natural and trusted relationships with staff”, have opportunities to spend time with them and receive a high level of individual attention.
Ofsted also commented on how children at Church View are involved in their own care and running of the home, including making “mood boards” and feeling prepared to have other children live there.

“Wishes and feeling of children are actively sought”

Restorative, in its model of care, puts children and young people at the heart of how they’re looked after, so it was particularly positive to have inspectors report on how the “wishes and feelings of children are actively sought at every opportunity. Children take part in house meetings and individual discussions with staff”.

Positive feedback from other professionals

The whole team at Church View receive positive feedback from other professionals, inspectors said. “Feedback from professionals about the home is very positive. Staff are described as responsive, proactive and good at communicating and highlighting concerns. When an incident occurs, it is dealt with in a timely manner and information is shared appropriately”.

The manager was also noted for his close working relationships with other professionals, including schools, which, together with staff, has a positive impact on the progress children make and the outcomes they achieve.

Well done Church View

This is a fantastic Ofsted inspection result and report, with comments the manager and whole team can feel proud of in their drive for excellence in children’s social care at Restorative.

Well done and congratulations to Nick and the team at Church View.

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Bridge House rated Good by Ofsted

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Bridge House has consistently been rated Good by Ofsted, and their latest inspection is no exception, which rated the home Good in all areas.

“Children make good progress”

The overall experiences and progress of children was judged to be good and that children make good progress in all areas of their development. Staff were noted for their ability to “build positive relationships” with the children, deliver “personalised care” and “fully embrace each child’s individuality” in meeting their individual needs.

A stable, secure environment

The structure and regular routine around daily life within the home was observed at Bridge House and deemed to be of positive benefit to the children living there.

“This gives children a stable environment which makes them feel secure.”

In addition, that the home is also an emotionally warm environment that helps children when they struggle with their emotional wellbeing.

“Children trust staff and so talk to them about their concerns [… ]Staff…respond effectively to children’s needs [and] create a nurturing environment in the home. They ensure that children have opportunities to play […] playing on the trampoline, playing football and going for walks.”

Educational needs prioritised 

Restorative’s model of care has always included the support of children and young people to engage in learning and education, inline with their individual goals. The inspection recognised this and the commitment of staff who “prioritise the educational needs of the children” and that “all children attend school and their attendance is good”.

Beyond attendance, staff were also noted for their “open lines of communication with the children’s individual schools”, which highlights the multiagency approach Restorative have when it comes to ensuring a child’s progress. Ofsted themselves commented how this approach “helps children to achieve better educational outcomes”.

“Children build and retain their own identities”

As well as children being supported to celebrate differences and develop their self-identity, which includes celebrating individual cultural festivals, such as Christmas, Ramadan and Easter, staff were commented on for supporting “children to have quality time with their families and other important people in their lives” furthering their sense of belonging.

Children are safeguarded effectively

The inspection recorded how staff understand children’s risks and needs to effectively keep children safe and reduce risk of harm. And, that children themselves “complete a range of work to help them understand how to keep safe”, which includes work on healthy relationships and understanding risks.

Effective management

Management visibility, including for the children and being “approachable”, was recognised by inspectors and how the manager knows “the strengths and areas for development of the home […] working towards the home’s development plan […] to review the quality of care provided by the home.”

This is a positive inspection result, yet again for Bridge House. Congratulations to the team and recognition by Ofsted of your hard work.

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Ofsted rating Good in all areas for Norland View

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Well done to the Norland View team for achieving Good in all areas in a recent Ofsted inspection.

The overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers were all rated Good, with inspectors particularly noting the sense of belonging children experience at the home.

“The children living at the home have positive relationships with staff. Staff understand the children’s individual needs, Interactions between children and staff are warm, natural and nurturing. This creates a sense of belonging for children.”

Staff promote children’s education

Staff at the home were also commented upon for how “ambitious” they are for the children in their care. Doing all they can to communicate with school and colleges to promote the children’s education and ownership of their goals, as well as giving encouragement.

“Children are supported to attend open days for further education, This gives children control over their lives and shows them they are valued.”

Children at the heart of decision-making

Care and support of children and young people at Restorative is purposely designed to be as child-centred as possible, which was recognised by the inspectors in many of their comments on different aspects of care. Including how “any decisions are taken in the best interests of the children” and how this then leads to promotion of positive change and good outcomes. 

Children’s wishes and feelings, and their consideration, so central to the care we provide at Restorative, were said by inspectors to be“considered thoroughly” and in various ways.

“Children’s wishes and feelings are explored in regular house meetings. They also complete a twice-yearly questionnaire about their experience of living at the home and action is taken in response to their views and opinions.”

Enriching activities

The inspection also recognised how children are given opportunities to explore their free time, appropriate to age, and how staff offer enriching activities like going out for meals, ice-skating and swimming, to “widen the child’s life experiences”.

And that children are empowered to know and understand how and who to contact if they need help, have a complaint, or simply want to make a change to their bedroom.

One child said Norland View was “a good place to live” and another that they “like living at the home and feel safe”.

Staff and managers are supported

It was extremely positive to have the support managers and staff receive in their daily work and in their development noted. That “staff feel supported” and that the manager of Norland View is “keen to upskill staff to enhance their practice, promote change and move the service forward” putting additional training and development opportunities in place.

Well done Norland View team! And thank you to the children and young people for their help in talking to inspectors about the care they receive at the home.

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Rooley-House-Good

Rooley House receives Good rating with Outstanding for Leadership

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Well done to the Rooley House team for receiving an Ofsted rating of Good in their most recent inspection in December 2023.

While the home, which provides care for one child with social and emotional difficulties, was judged Good overall in providing effective care services for children, the category ‘effectiveness of leaders and managers’ was rated Outstanding.

Staff “emotionally invested”

Staff were noted for their regular reflection in practice and adjustments to their care responses in looking after the child resident at the home, who they were “emotionally invested in”.

And how the assistant manager “developed a warm and trusting relationship” with the child, undertaking additional learning and spending extra time to develop protocols to help communication between the child and staff.

“A strong team”

Many positive comments about the team in place at Rooley House were made. Ofsted said, “The assistant manager is credited by other staff, professionals and family as having supported the child in a steadfast and consistent… [which contributed] to keeping the child safe in their care.”

The assistant and home’s manager were described as “a strong team”. With comments of the home’s manager including “respected…well-liked” and “approachable”; a manager who “leads by example” and who “worked many unsociable hours to meet the needs of the child”.

Care and support for children and team

Not only was Rooley House manager credited for his commitment to looking after the children/child in his care but also for being “supportive of staff” and “keen to see them develop and grow” including , while “always mindful of the safety and well-being of the staff”. And including utilising Restorative’s “inhouse psychologist to deliver specific training specific training to enhance staff knowledge”.

Individual support by an empowered team

Child and young people-centred support is integral to our individualised approach to looking after children, which was also highlighted by inspectors. They noted planning and support offered to the child “was individual to their needs” and complex plans “modified regularly to keep the child safe” and “improve outcomes”.

It was also noted how staff would undertake multiagency decision-making in plans and challenge where they felt change was needed, “to advocate for the child”.

Dedication and commitment

This recent positive inspection is a result of hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence in practice by our management and support teams at Rooley House. Well done and congratulations from everyone at Restorative and the wider team.

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Amar House Ofsted rated Good in all areas

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Amar House has recently received Ofsted rating Good in all areas, following a full inspection in November 2023.

Congratulations to the team!

Congratulations to Sarah Faller, registered manager, and our team at Amar House on the many positive comments they received from Ofsted during the inspection. Quality of care, help and protection children receive at Amar House and the effectiveness of leadership in place at the home were praised in detail.

“Trusting relationships with staff”

The care for children living at Amar House was particularly noted by Ofsted to be characterised by “trusting relationships with staff” and that children seek out guidance and support when they need it. Children are understood by staff, including their individual, additional needs and how they most effectively receive information that “meets their communication style”.

Child-focused care

Care for young people at Restorative always aims to be individually child-focused and never more so than when it comes to transitions. Ofsted noted how transitions for children at Amar House are “planned extensively” and conducted at a pace to suit their individual needs. Management will also challenge where transitions could be more individualised – a sign of Restorative’s focus on effective leadership and support of the team.

Ofsted also commented how each child has a “detailed and individual risk assessment” and that these are “thorough documents” which staff have good knowledge of and keep regularly updated. They noted how staff have good knowledge and understanding of the necessary procedures, such as missing from home, fire assessments and safety-related checks.

“Supportive of staff, children and their families” 

The registered manager was described by Ofsted as “child-focused” in wanting to see all children in her care “succeed and grow”. Contact with families is facilitated in a positive, warm and welcoming way, which children and their families appreciate and benefit from.

Both registered manager and deputy manager are seen to work effectively together, recognising the strengths, but also areas for development, of the home. And, inline with our constant goal of individual care and support for every young person, they are “proactive to collect wishes and feelings of the children and act upon anything that the children need”.

Well done to the team

Well done to our team at Amar House on another good inspection from Ofsted. We look forward to supporting on ongoing plans to build on excellent practice and quality of support to children and young people at Restorative.

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Princeton House ‘good’ in all areas

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Well done to everyone at Princeton House, recently receiving an inspection rating from Ofsted of ‘good’ in all areas of provision this August.

Inspectors noted how the registered manager’s “positive and solution-focused attitude is reflected by staff” and how “warm and welcoming” the home is. It was recognised how children are involved in helping to choose furniture and artwork within the home and have the freedom to decorate their rooms in a way that “reflects their personalities, interests and tastes”.

It was also commented upon how children “influence the way their home is run and are listened to by staff”. Particularly too, inspectors noted how children are supported and encouraged to talk about any worries or concerns they may have during transition times, when they “move into the home or leave as part of move-on plans”.

Ther importance of family connections was also positively noted and that “staff recognise and respect each child’s heritage”.

At Restorative, all children are supported to be active and take part in their local communities. Not only does this benefit children’s physical and emotional health, but it leads to further opportunities for the children. Ofsted recognised this and how such encouragement led to one child recently singing on the main stage at a community event.

Safety, and how children say they feel not only safe but how they can seek help if they need to, was another positive area of inspection. Again, the staff support was recognised, and how staff “take on board” children’s viewpoints, helping them to “find strategies to help them manage their own emotions and … keep themselves safe”.

Well done on a great inspection result, Princeton House team. Due recognition for all your hard work and dedication to the children we care for and support. Congratulations from everyone at Restorative!

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Good job Church View! Ofsted ‘good’ rating for the team

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Recently inspected by Ofsted, our Church View residential children’s home has just been rated ‘good’, with many positive aspects of Restorative’s model of care noted by inspectors.

“We’re really pleased with the rating,” said Chris Kershaw, director and Responsible Individual at Restorative. “It was mentioned by the inspectors how children feel a sense of belonging at Restorative and that they benefit from consistency and stability of care from a small, permanent team, which has always been one of the main aims of care provision.”

Inspectors also noted how homes are furnished to a high standard, with “home from home comforts” and how children are “listened to and consulted on all aspects of their care”.

The therapeutic aspect of care that us accessible for children at Church View was commented on during the inspection. It was said how “children benefit from this” and make “noticeable progress in many areas of their lives”.

It’s important to us at Restorative that we provide only the highest quality of care that puts children and young people at the heart of decisions about them and their daily life. To receive this Ofsted rating, confirming how our care, particularly our “restorative approach” helps children feel “emotionally safe”, is extremely positive.

Well done to all the team at Church View!

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Ogden Moor Ofsted ‘good’ in all areas

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We’re delighted to be celebrating another Ofsted ‘good’ rating, in all areas of our provision, this time for Ogden Moor children’s home.

Positive comments from inspectors include how staff at Ogden Moor have taken time to “build those bonds” with children and, consequently, how children have developed “trusting relationships with the adults who care for them”.

Help with education, and achieving academic goals are always a priority within Restorative’s model of care, and inspectors noticed particular success in this area, as well as children having opportunities to learn and grow, with extra-curricular social activities.

It was also remarked upon how well the team and families work together and the positive effect this has for the children, and the work being done to help children to build positive self-image, identity and confidence.

Ogden Moor, you did well and we’re proud of you! Congratulations from the rest of the Restorative team.

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