Portslade service for young people rated ‘outstanding’
A service run by Brighton & Hove City Council for young people aged 8-18 who have learning disabilities and challenging behaviour has been judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The Drove Road residential short breaks service in Portslade provides a mixture of short breaks and full-time accommodation. Ofsted inspectors said:
- The service contributes to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for young people who need help, protection and care
- Young people receive excellent care and support from a team of staff dedicated to improving their quality of life
- Staff know the young people extremely well and work together to help them achieve their goals
- Safeguarding is seen as a priority, and high staffing ratios mean the children get the support they need.
- Staff have developed effective working relationships with colleagues from education and the child and adolescent mental health services.
Practice manager Vikki Witham said: “We try to create a ‘home from home’ atmosphere for the young people who stay here, with lots of activities.
“These include trips out that some parents and carers can find difficult if it takes more than one adult to take their children out.
“It’s really great to be recognised for the hard work that everybody does.
“We’re thrilled that the inspectors have seen how dedicated the whole team is to the young people and their families, and giving them a wonderful time when they’re here.”