Children's homes given outstanding rating

Two children's homes in Doncaster have been rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

The homes in Pinewood Avenue and Cromwell Drive each look after up to four children at a time.

Inspectors found the children cared for at Cromwell Drive were thriving in a safe and protected home environment.

Pinewood Avenue was inspected in August with inspectors reporting staff had created a place which "feels like a family home" where children feel safe.

The outstanding ratings at Pinewood Avenue and Cromwell Drive come after another care home run by Doncaster Council, Amersall Road was given the top grade.

Lani-Mae Ball, cabinet portfolio holder for early help, young people and children's social care, said the council was "immensely proud of our dedicated children's home teams for achieving a third Outstanding Ofsted rating."

Ball added the homes created an environment young people could call home, "a place where they can thrive".

The Cromwell Drive home was rated outstanding for the third time in a row.

Inspectors said staff had gone above and beyond to foster meaningful connections for the children with friends and parents, both within the home and in the wider community.

The report highlighted safe trips and how one child recently enjoyed their first sleepover, exclaiming, "It was the best thing I ever did!"

The team at Pinewood Avenue were praised for their work which 'significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for the young people'.

In their report, inspectors said staff had supported the children to develop "warm and interactive relationships with each other", and created a place where the children feel they are cared for and belong.

One child who previously lived in the home told inspectors: "It was a brilliant place to live, the best. It helped me turn my life around."

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