Willow Cottage

Encouraging children to engage in education is a priority for staff. Children make good progress from their starting points. One child, who had poor school attendance because he experienced low self-esteem and anxiety before he arrived, has benefited from attending a local community farming project for his education. As a result, the child is learning new skills and has a much healthier daily routine. Children’s life chances are improved because of a sensitive, individualised approach.

Ofsted 2022

Children are supported to take part in a range of enjoyable activities. Children have enjoyed taking part in summer games which included children from other homes in the organisation. Children are helped to explore their own individual interests outside the home. This is important as they begin to develop their sense of self.

Ofsted 2022

Children have a range of positive experiences, including attending after-school clubs and participating in weekend football and basketball clubs. Children are helped to spend time with their family and friends.

Ofsted 2022

Staff are energetic, enthusiastic and nurturing. This enables children to feel comfortable and trust the staff that look after them. Children are looked after by staff who shower them with attention, affection and care. Where needed, this is balanced with realistic expectations and appropriate boundaries. Staff focus is to ensure that children feel valued and loved. Children thrive in the positive and fun environment that has been created.

Ofsted 2022

Children have positive relationships with staff. The staff are nurturing in their approach and genuinely warm and appropriately affectionate in their interactions with the children. All of the children were observed to be happy and relaxed. As a result, the home environment is very calm with a family-style feel.

Ofsted 2022

Children experience well-planned care from staff who are attentive and familiar with the children’s needs. Interactions between children and staff are warm and nurturing. This makes children feel secure and cared for, which enables them to make good progress.

Ofsted 2022

One parent spoke of her gratitude to the team. She felt staff were supportive of her child but also very supportive of her relationship with her child. She said that one member of staff, in particular, ‘should be given a medal’ for what she has done for the family.

Ofsted 2022