Children’s home SEEDS gets ‘outstanding’ from Ofsted!

A children’s home that operates a short break and outreach service has been awarded ‘outstanding’ from Ofsted.

SEEDS, which is an acronym for Support, Experience, Enjoy, Develop and Succeed is registered to provide care for up to five children.

The home is owned and managed by Blackburn with Darwen council and provides care for children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

The Ofsted report mentions the positive impact the home has on the children who stay there or receive outreach support. It explains how social workers, children’s family members and other professionals comment on the difference that this service has had on their child, with one social worker saying that she “wishes every child was able to access this home”.

Praise for staff is high with the report saying the home is led by a highly committed and experienced registered man manager who has high aspirations for children and is also a strong advocate for children. It said that children have trusting relationships with the adults who care for them and listen to staff’s advice and guidance. Children benefit from exceptionally well planned individualised care that leads to change and improvement in their lives.

Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

I am extremely proud to have a service like SEEDS in our borough. I have visited many times and know how hard the staff work to make sure our young people thrive in their environment. The service they provide has always been outstanding, and I’m so glad that this has been recognised by Ofsted. Well done to all the team!

Staff at SEEDS appreciate the significance of children’s relationships with family and friends, and they are skilled in building relationships with children’s families. Parents are also very complimentary about the support that they and their children receive with one parent saying, “I felt like they [staff] were looking after me too”.

The strong multi-agency approach is admired within the report stating:

Children benefit from effective support help and protection. The safety and wellbeing of children is consistently at the centre of staff’s practice. Staff maintain highly effective partnerships with the police, social workers and other safeguarding agencies to promote the safety and wellbeing of children.

Professionals praise the team and describe excellent communication. One stakeholder said, “Staff are excellent in communicating with the core group of professionals supporting the child a recent focus has been on children’s mental health as well as systemic practise to improve outcomes for children and their families.”

SEEDS achieved ‘outstanding’ in all areas of the inspection proving that the actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added:

Having visited SEEDS myself and spoken to some of the young people who benefit from the services I can say how thoroughly well-deserved this ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating is. SEEDS is a calm and welcoming environment with a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. 

Congratulations to the team at SEEDS for having their hard work and dedication recognised in this way.