Larchwood, Bracknell Forest Council’s short breaks children’s home, has been rated good by Ofsted for the fourth year.
Larchwood provides personalised respite care for children who have complex needs. The children supported have severe learning disabilities which can also include a physical disability or medical condition.
Inspectors found children benefit from care that is kind, warm and caring. They also praised the home, stating:
- when children come to stay, they are warmly welcomed by staff who provide attentive support, attuned to each child’s individual needs and wishes
- children show through their behaviour that they are happy in the home and feel settled and safe
- staff help children to express their feelings and actively support them to get involved in every aspect of their day
- children are helped to get involved and try new things that will stimulate their interest and widen their experience of the world
- staff and managers are focused on enabling children to progress and they aspire for children to have improved life experiences
- supporting children’s individual communication needs is a strength of the home - there is an incredible range of communication tools available that are set up in an inviting and educational way
The report stated that staff and managers are focused on enabling children to progress and they aspire for children to have improved life experiences.
Grainne Siggins, Executive Director for People at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
“The staff at Larchwood provide a welcome and caring environment to all the children and families. The home has specially designed indoor and outdoor spaces, with children having personalised bedrooms, spacious playrooms and areas where they can relax with specialised sensory equipment. We are so pleased that this hard work and dedication has been recognised. The short breaks at Larchwood provide the children and their families with great opportunities This includes not only allowing parents respite but also in supporting children to take part in activities they would not experience at home.”
Cllr Roy Bailey, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said:
“It is inspiring to read how the inspectors were impressed with the staff and service provided at Larchwood. We are so lucky to have such a fantastic resource within the heart of our borough, offering care and support to some of our most vulnerable children and their families.”