A BUXTON children’s home is celebrating back-to-back outstanding gradings from regulator Ofsted.
Dovedale House, part of Kedleston Group, supports up to five young people, one of whom told inspectors: “I give it 10 out of 10. It is the most outstanding place I have lived.”
Inspectors praised the home where, it said, “children make exceptional progress in all areas of their lives.” This, they said, was due to the “excellent care and support their receive” at the home which is a place they are “very happy” to live.
The report – which graded the home outstanding in all areas for the second inspection in a row – noted that children’s achievements, no matter how big or small, are recognised. This, inspectors said, had a direct impact on their self-esteem and confidence.
There was also praise for the home’s support of young people’s positive transitions from the home which they described as ‘exceptional’. A young person who had previously lived at the home told inspectors: “I made a lot of progress at the home. I had not engaged in education for three years and I did there.”
Feedback from professionals was also, the report noted, ‘unanimously good’ with one social worker telling inspectors: “The home is outstanding. The progress the child has made is phenomenal. Staff have gone over and above in their roles to secure the best outcomes for the child.”
The staff team, and manager at Dovedale, were also commended in the report with the inspectors noting: “The manager is exceptional and aspirational for children. Her attention to detail and understanding of children’s histories, needs and wishes is truly impressive. The manager leads by example and passes on to staff her high levels of commitment to children in her care.”
For some children, the positive support of Dovedale, the report notes, has helped them successfully move home to their families.
Gillian Miele, Head of Care at Kedleston Group, said: “The team at Dovedale are absolutely dedicated to the children they care for, and it’s wonderful that the home, and the hard work of the team, has been recognised as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for the second inspection in a row.
“They truly are a shining example of what outstanding residential children’s care is and what they help children achieve is an inspiration to us all.”
Manager at Dovedale, Tracey Power, added: “It is a privilege to care for the young people who live in our home. We are always incredibly proud of their achievements. To be recognised in this way as playing a positive role in their lives is wonderful.”