Rockhopper Children's Services

A RESIDENTIAL children’s home where children ‘thrive and make good progress’ has been praised by Ofsted inspectors who have found it to be ‘good with outstanding features’.

Ivytree House, part of Rockhopper Children’s Services, was graded as ‘good’ overall, while its effectiveness of leaders and managers was found to be ‘outstanding’.

Children living at the home experience ‘positive day to day experiences’, inspectors found, and added that their physical and mental health needs are well met. They said: “Children’s health needs are well met. Children’s emotional well-being is also supported.”

The home’s embedding of a therapeutic model, supported by an external clinical psychologist, and used by staff to nurture children, ‘contributes significantly to their progress and sense of security’, the report noted.

Inspectors noted that the team at the home, in Manningtree in Essex, have ‘strong, trusting relationships with children’, with ‘mutual respect and genuine warmth’.

And staff at the home also ‘promote a wide range of activities’, including attending clubs, group outings and international holidays. One child has been supported to pursue their interest in music, including spending time in a professional studio.

When considering leadership and management, inspectors found it to be outstanding at Ivytree House, saying: “The registered manager leads the home with a clear commitment to best practice. The leadership team, including the deputy manager and responsible individual, work cohesively and share high aspirations for children.

“The staff team is stable and enthusiastic. Staff speak passionately about their roles and describe the home as feeling like a family. Staff feedback about the support they have from the manager and senior staff was exemplary.

“Feedback from external professionals has been unanimously positive. Staff and managers work well as part of a multi-agency response to ensure the best care and outcomes possible for children.”