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Rotherham Council children’s care facility rated “good” by Ofsted (26 February 2016)

Date: 26/02/2016
Duncan Lewis, Family Solicitors, Rotherham Council children’s care facility rated “good” by Ofsted

A care facility run by Rotherham Council which offers short breaks to children aged eight to 18 has received a rating of “good” following an Ofsted inspection.

Rotherham’s Liberty House – a short breaks facility for children with disabilities and behavioural issues – was inspected in January 2016 by Ofsted.

The Rotherham Council-run residential care home was praised for its “sustained effectiveness”, which was a key factor in the Ofsted rating.

Inspectors observed Liberty House over a two-day period and looked at aspects of the service such as how well children and young people were protected, the impact and effectiveness of leaders and managers – and the overall experiences of residents living at the home.

The report acknowledges the children developed “secure, positive relationships” with management and staff, made good progress in all areas of development – and their life experiences improved as a direct result of the activities provided.

The Ofsted report also recognises that staff understand the complex needs of each individual in their care – and nurture a happy environment, where children feel socially confident and enjoy their experience at the facility.

Advisory Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor Gordon Watson, said:

“This review is a confidence boost for the team at Liberty House – and is part of our commitment to ensuring our children and young people receive the best standard of care to meet their needs.

“It’s pleasing to see children are put at the centre of this service – and their feedback reflects the staff’s dedication to make it an enjoyable place to visit.”

Rotherham Council says the inspection marks “significant progress” for Liberty House – an improvement which has been driven by Interim Service Manager Brent Lumley since the last Ofsted review in December 2014.

Strategic Director, Children and Young People’s Services, Ian Thomas, said:

“This grade is testament to the dedication and hard work of the staff at Liberty House – who have nurtured a positive and social environment, which both our children and young people enjoy being involved with.”

In January 2016, Communities Secretary Greg Clark announced that –
following the child sexual exploitation scandal in Rotherham – some services functions such as housing, leisure, education and financial services would be returned to council control, but children’s services would remain under the power of commissioners, led by Sir Derek Myers.

Despite the council having made improvements, Mr Clark said there were still “significant challenges to overcome” in restoring “public confidence and trust”.

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