Eleventh consecutive Outstanding for vibrant and loving home

Skilled and dedicated staff at a council run short break service for children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and autism, have been praised for their ‘outstanding’ work by Ofsted.

Apple Trees children’s home in Blackburn has now achieved this prestigious accolade for the 11th consecutive year. Across 13 inspections, the home has consistently been rated as one of the very best in the country, a remarkable record that highlights its sustained excellence and commitment to high‑quality care.

Ofsted said that high levels of nurture and individualised care from staff mean they respond to the children’s every need. The experience of accessing this home enhances the lives of children.

Some of the glowing comments in the report include:

The progress of children is exceptional.
There is significant evidence of change and improvement because of the excellent quality of care provided.
Every success is recognised and celebrated, and each child’s ability is cherished and respected.
One child is now walking and dancing with staff support and other children are developing their independence skills.
The home is filled with love, laughter and happiness.

Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, commented:

The report reflects everything that our children experience and that I have witnessed. Children’s individuality is valued and celebrated, and staff are clearly loved by the young people who visit and stay at Apple Trees. Congratulations to our fantastic team who every day make sure that the lives of the families they work alongside are made better by their commitment and determination to ensure that Apple Trees remains one of the best in the country.

Ofsted continue by saying – Children enjoy accessing their short break and are happy.
Staff do not allow the complex needs of the children to define them.
Regardless of their ability, staff enable children to enjoy new experiences.

Jo Siddle, Strategic Director of Children’s and Education, said:

“We are super proud of our short break service for receiving another outstanding. This is a rare achievement, in fact not many in the country will have achieved this, certainly none in the North. To maintain the standards of outstanding year after year is truly inspiring. This is testament to the hard work of our staff, and I want to send my gratitude and congratulations to everyone at Apple Trees.”

When talking to families Ofsted learnt that they deeply appreciate the staff, their warmth and their friendly and supportive care.
Families without exception said that the quality of care is excellent and that their children are gaining experiences and opportunities that they are unable to provide. Families said the home was a ‘blessing’ and staff were ‘amazing’, ‘caring’, ‘brilliant’ and ‘excellent communicators’.

Muti-agency and partnership expert practice is seen as making a sustained improvement to the lives of children with strong relationships and collaboration between the agencies involved in the lives of children. The manager promotes a ‘family first’ approach that significantly minimises risks to children.

The report goes on to commend the effectiveness of leaders and managers, saying that the manager is an asset to this home.

Manager Jeremy Wood is highly ambitious for the children and influential in changing the lives of those in his care. He said:

“We are delighted to receive this fantastic recognition from Ofsted. The report reflects the unwavering commitment of our staff, who value every child for their uniqueness and individuality, and who provide the personalised care and support each child needs to thrive. Our team works tirelessly to create a warm, family‑centred environment. Children experience a vibrant, loving home where they quickly build trusting relationships with skilled and dedicated staff.

The report highlights how well staff know the children and how this deep understanding enables them to deliver exceptionally high levels of nurture and individualised care.

The home continues to be filled with love, laughter and happiness, and we are pleased that Ofsted has recognised this. Every achievement is celebrated, and each child’s abilities are cherished and respected. We remain committed to ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.”