A Reading children’s home run by Brighter Futures for Children has been rated ‘Good’ following a full Ofsted inspection.
Pinecroft provides care for up to five children with learning or physical disabilities, sensory impairments, or a combination of these.
The inspector awarded a ‘Good’ rating in the three key areas of: Overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
The inspection report published today (25 August) says staff at the home value children as individuals and have built positive and trusting relationships with them.
It continues: “The children have positive experiences moving into the home. The collaborative work between the allocated social worker, parents and education settings mean the children receive support and understanding from well-equipped and prepared staff who can meet their needs.”
The inspector says the children benefit from highly personalised care provided by committed and hard-working staff who understand the needs and vulnerabilities of the children and work diligently to ensure they are catered for.
Staff at Pinecroft are praised for having excellent knowledge and understanding of the children’s vulnerabilities, risks and medical needs. Highly detailed care plans, combined with staff vigilance and awareness, ensure the children are kept safe.
The staff also manage the children’s complex emotional and behavioural needs well and demonstrate a commitment to overcoming difficult and challenging behaviours.
The inspector describes the home manager’s monitoring systems as excellent and demonstrate clear managerial oversight of the home.
The reports says the home’s management and BFfC leaders work in close partnership with a range of professionals and specialist services to safeguard the children and to meet their holistic, emotional and healthcare needs.
It continues: “This approach demonstrates the leaders’ and managers’ dedication to wanting the absolute best care and outcomes for the children.”
The inspector also highlighted improvements to be made, including: ensuring staff use children’s communication aids, methods and devices at all times in accordance with the children’s plans; children benefit from a variety of activities that help their needs and develop interests and skills; and full reports are made within 24 hours of any measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home.
Ofsted carried out the unannounced inspection on 23 and 24 June.
Di Smith, Board Chair at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Pinecroft children’s home for achieving a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.
“The inspector’s report recognises the hard work and dedication of staff and management at the home, particularly at a time when the pandemic has presented extra challenges.
“Staff are committed to providing the best possible care for the children and young people at Pinecroft and work is already under way to address the areas of improvement raised in the report.”
Cllr Liz Terry, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “It is clear from the inspector’s report that children and young people at Pinecroft are well cared for by understanding and diligent staff.
“I am delighted with the recognition of the hard-working care staff who build such trusting relationships with the children and who work closely with parents and other professionals to provide the best possible care and support.
“I would like to thank everyone at Pinecroft for their continued hard work and commitment.”
The full Ofsted report can be found at: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50168296