A CHILDREN'S home in Weymouth has received high praise from Ofsted.

A recent Ofsted report rated The Cherries Children's Home in Weymouth as 'good', with high praise for the staff's nurturing and sensitive approach, and the relaxed and safe environment provided for the children. 

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills, which carry out inspections and regulatory visits to institutions that care for children and young people, and services providing education and skills for learners of all ages.

The Cherries, run by Dorset County Council, provides long term placements for children aged four to 18 years with severe learning disabilities.

Key findings from the inspection, with took place in November 2017 include;

  • Children's unique needs are at the centre of the care that staff provide.
  • The quality of care provided is nurturing, sensitive and bespoke to the individualised needs of every child.
  • Children were observed to be comfortable, relaxed and having fun.
  • Parents are exceptionally pleased with the care and support that are provided to their children.
  • The registered manager, who has managed the home for more than 20 years, is an excellent leader and has a wealth of relevant experience.

Four parents are quoted in the report. 

One said: "My son has lived at the home over two years and he loves it.

"They really do provide children with good- quality care and support."

Another parent said: "The staff who care for my son go above and beyond.

"He is doing things we did not think possible."

Cllr Steve Butler, county council lead member for Children's Servies said: "We are delighted that the hard work and dedication of the staff at The Cherries has been recognised in this report. It is particularly gratifying that we have had such positive endorsements from parents who acknowledge the opportunities their children have been given and the progress they have made.

"These children have complex needs, but the ethos of the home is to help them aim high and fulfil their potential, and to support them every step of the way."

The Cherries currently cares for six children, and has consistently performed well in Ofsted. For the last two years, it has been rated as outstanding. 

This year's rating as good, reflects the changes in the Ofsted grading system which now allow more scope for progress.

Suggested improvements at The Cherries include increased training for staff, and better monitoring of reports.