“This is a well-managed home. Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of each child’s needs means that they all receive high-quality care and nurturing from committed staff.”
That’s the verdict from Ofsted inspectors following their visit in February to the Atkinson Secure Children’s home in Exeter.
They gave the home a resounding ‘good’ on all fronts – the progress and experience of the children resident in the home; the quality of their education and learning; their health; how well the children are helped and protected; and how effective the home’s leaders and managers are.
It continues their unblemished record as being a good home for the last six years.
“Children make good progress during their time at this home,” say inspectors.
“(That) progress is acknowledged and celebrated, helping children to start to take pride in their achievements and build their confidence and self-esteem.”
Children “feel listened to and valued”…and “increasingly feel safe in this home.”
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter Devon's Cabinet Member with responsibility for children’s services, which includes the children’s home said:-
“This, again, is a very positive inspection by Ofsted, which is a delight to see.
“I’m pleased that inspectors saw the supportive relationships that the children have with our excellent staff.
“The last two years has been a very real challenge, for us all as well as the home. But the home and its staff have managed well, and have continued to improve the service despite those challenges.
“There is work still to do – we do not rest on our laurels – and the recommendations in this report are already being written into our practice within the home.
“Thank you to the staff, of course, and the Northbrook Managers for their continued support and dedication, but thank you to the children and young people who join us at the home for showing us the people they can be and the adults that they can become.”