Hartlepool children's homes rated 'good' and 'outstanding' by inspectors

Councillors have praised three children’s homes run by the local authority after they received ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ ratings from a national watchdog.
Hartlepool Civic CentreHartlepool Civic Centre
Hartlepool Civic Centre

Hartlepool Borough Council Children’s Services Committee received updates on three Ofsted inspection results received in recent months for children’s homes in the area.

Exmoor Grove Children’s Home was rated ‘outstanding’- the third consecutive year it received the highest possible rating.

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Stockton Road Children’s Home was rated ‘good’ for the third consecutive year, which is the second highest rating available.

St David’s Walk Children’s Home was also rated ‘good’ in its first inspection after opening earlier this year, and council officers noted how it is especially difficult for homes to receive ‘good’ in its initial inspection.

Councillors on the committee heaped praise on the staff at the care homes for providing children with a safe and positive environment.

Jane Young, council assistant director of children’sand joint commissioning services, said it is great for the council to see the homes performing so well.

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She said: “We are particularly proud of all of our children’s homes because it’s difficult to get good and outstanding judgements in children’s homes, they’re highly regulated places which they should be because they’re taking care of the most vulnerable children.

“What it says is we are providing a very high standard of care for children.

“I think we’re in a very fortunate position the three children’s homes we manage as a local authority are all judged to be good and outstanding, it’s a really strong place and members can be reassured that our children and young people are well cared for by this authority.”

Coun Brenda Harrison commented although rated ‘good’, everything she has seen from Stockton Road Children’s Home suggests it is outstanding.

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She said: “To me it’s an outstanding facility with outstanding staff, it’s like a family, it’s like a home, I don’t understand what is needed to make it outstanding because I think it already is.”

Coun Sue Little also praised the staff for the service they provide.

She said: “I think they’re all outstanding so pass my congratulations on to them all, to keep that level of care up, everyone needs a pat on the back and a well done.”