Magnificent seven consecutive Outstanding Ofsted reports for Abbeyford Children's Home

Article date: 3 July 2023

The St Helens Borough Council-run facility in Windle - which provides short-stay respite for children and young people with complex health, learning and social communication needs - was awarded its seventh consecutive 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating following an inspection in March this year. 

Key outcomes in the glowing report found that children make excellent progress with their independent skills like cooking, washing dishes, dressing themselves and accessing public transport - as well as a strong and proactive response to safeguarding, with staff clear on their roles and responsibilities, and trained to meet specific needs of children with complex needs.  

The inspector was also full of praise for the 'experienced and qualified' management team who provide staff with strong leadership and strive to create a culture of high expectations, with staff feeling very well supported by managers who 'genuinely care.' 

Staff and service users - together with their parents and carers - marked the occasion with an afternoon tea garden party which saw Spiderman swing by to join Cinderella, Micky Mouse, SpongeBob Square Pants and Encanto's Mirabel - as well as an array of farmyard animals - for a day of fun which also included glitter face painting, ice cream, and donkey rides.

St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Nova Charlton, who was among those in attendance, said:

"Abbeyford's Ofsted garden parties are legendary so it was a huge honour to have been invited down to celebrate and share this special achievement with the children and young people, their families and carers - and of course, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain such high standards of care.  

"As a council, our first priority is to ensure all children and young people have a positive start in life and fantastic facilities like Abbeyford are a shining example of what can be achieved."     

Speaking of his pride, Abbeyford Service Manager, Paul Spencer, said: "My sincere thanks go to the staff team here at Abbeyford who continue to offer an excellent service provision to children and young people in the borough of St Helens.  

"Maintaining Outstanding Ofsted status is without doubt challenging for the team - however due to their passion, enthusiasm, and commitment, they continue to aspire and achieve. I am very proud to be part of such an outstanding team - in every sense of the word - and to be involved in supporting children and their families in St Helens."