A RESIDENTIAL home in Reading for children with additional needs, offering three-nights’ respite care, has been given an outstanding rating in an Ofsted inspection.
Pinecroft, in south Reading, was given top marks for the overall experience and progress of children and young people at the home, as well as praise for how they are helped and protected and for the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
This is now the second children’s home in the borough that is run by the council’s company, Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), to be awarded an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating this year.
Pinecroft offers shared care support, and this is something praised by inspectors, who noted there has been unanimous positive feedback about the impact this service has had on children and their families.
The inspector, who visited on January 10 and 11, wrote: “Staff offer highly-personalised and well-planned care that meets children’s individual needs exceptionally well. Staff gain the views of children, which are central to all aspects of their care and activities while at the home.”
The inspection comes after a makeover to the centre last year. This has, the report notes, resulted in an “exceptional outdoor space for children” and a new sensory room containing modern and innovative technology which encourages children to play.
The management team were praised for being “strong and highly effective” and supported by a committed staff team who work together extremely well.
Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “I’m thrilled the wonderful team at Pinecroft have received the acknowledgement they deserve for their commitment and dedication to the children in their care.
“Pinecroft is a very special place and I am so proud that we have such a brilliant resource to offer the children of Reading and their families.”
The report was welcomed by Cllr Graeme Hoskin, lead councillor for children’s services at Reading Borough Council, who said: “When visiting Pinecroft I was immediately struck by the passion and commitment of staff to make a huge difference to the lives of the children who stay there.
“I’m delighted by the rightful recognition of their fantastic commitment and hard work that shines out of this report.
“Alongside our fantastic staff, the recently upgraded facilities are providing truly exceptional space for children with SEND and their families. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
