Secure children’s home continues to make good progress

A secure children’s home in Exeter has been praised by Ofsted for making good continued progress since its last Ofsted inspection.

The Atkinson Unit provides accommodation for up to ten young people and was inspected earlier in the summer of 2012 and again at the end of the year.

In their earlier report the inspectors said that the unit exceeded minimum requirements and were rated ‘good’ for their quality of care, safeguarding, leadership and management, and for the outcomes of the young people. During their most recent inspection, Ofsted were impressed with the progress the home was making.

The unit is home to young people who are at serious risk to either themselves or others, or who have a history of absconding from children’s homes. Unit staff work with the young person to reduce their risk and return to a positive lifestyle within the community.

Staff were praised for their commitment to their jobs and the work they do to establish positive relationships with the young people. The young people expressed warmth towards the staff team and managers

The home was also praised for its work with young people who have left or about to leave the home. This includes helping the young person settle in their new home, and maintaining a level of contact and support for them while they settle in.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member responsible for the children and young people’s services said: “I’m delighted that Ofsted has recognised the continual improvement the home has made since its last positive inspection. This is especially pleasing when Ofsted is setting higher and higher criteria with every inspection.”

The home has been praised by Ofsted for staff motivation and strong commitment to the home and the young people, as well as the relationships with external professionals such as the police, health and local authorities.