Larchwood, Bracknell Forest Council’s short breaks children’s home, has been rated good by Ofsted.
Larchwood provides personalised respite care for children who have complex needs. The children supported have a severe learning disability which can also include a physical disability or medical condition.
Inspectors found children have enjoyable experiences during their short breaks at Larchwood. Staff make sure the children are their primary focus and support them to have fun and engage in different activities, while gaining confidence. Staff also make sure children are seen and heard. They consistently seek their wishes and views and use the child’s preferred communication styles and aids to make sure interactions are meaningful.
The report stated that staff are well supported by the manager and their colleagues. The manager and senior leaders have been successful in developing a highly motivated team. As a result, the children receive consistent care from committed staff who know them well. Additionally, the service is held in high esteem by children’s parents and social care professionals.
Grainne Siggins, Executive Director for People at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the care our staff provide at Larchwood. The short breaks are of great benefit to the children and their families, and we are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the dedication of the staff to provide the best possible care.
“The senior team at Larchwood and the council offer great support to the staff at the unit. This creates a highly motivated and professional team.”
Cllr Roy Bailey, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said:
“Larchwood is a fantastic resource within the heart of our borough and offers wonderful support to some of our most vulnerable children and their families. It is heartening to read how impressed the inspectors were on their visit and this is testament to the dedicated team at Larchwood.”
