Kent children’s home rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

Staff at our Kent children’s home are celebrating after recently being rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

In the report, Ofsted praised Hobbit House and said: "Children say they are happy living in this home. One child is adjusting to this being his first experience of living in a children’s home. Staff are sensitive and acutely aware of the emotional impact of this for the child. Their strong, nurturing practice is evident in the child saying that, while he cannot live with his family, he would choose to live at this home."

The inspectors went on to say: "Children’s care plans clearly describe each child’s current needs. The combined skills of the staff team are used to excellent effect to meet these needs. For example, some staff are particularly strong on maintaining boundaries and role modelling, whereas others are natural nurturers. As a result, children receive balanced and consistent care."

The report continued: "Research-informed practice is embedded. It is thematic and based on the emerging needs of the children. One example includes developing therapeutic relationships with horses for one child. This was discussed at a team meeting and integrated into a child’s daily routine. This has seen him flourish after a difficult time of not leaving the house during the peak of the pandemic. This child now walks to the neighbouring field every day to spend time with the neighbour’s horses. Staff fully appreciate the positive impact and what this means for the child in terms of his emotional well-being, and support this activity every single day." 

Inspectors also highlighted throughout the report the positive outcomes achieved by the young people including positively moving-on from the service. Ofsted said: "Moving-on arrangements for children are also extremely well planned. The two children who most recently left the home had made exceptional progress, which led to both of them being reunited with their families. Their substantial and life changing progress is largely attributable to the patient, tireless and high-quality support from the registered manager and staff, which enabled these children to return to live with their families." 

Situated within Kent, Hobbit House is part of Aspris Children’s Services and provides care to young people aged 8-18 years with social and emotional difficulties. 

Tracey Baker, Registered Manager, said: "It is a real privilege to lead an ‘Outstanding’ service. Hobbit House was praised in so many areas, and this is a great credit to all of us who work at the residential home. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team, our young people and their relatives/guardians." 

Victoria Wallace, Responsible Individual for East and South East Anglia at Aspris Children’s Services, said: "Hobbit House has been on a real journey and I’m so proud of the whole team. It’s been a pleasure to see the home and staff team grow and develop, going above and beyond to ensure that the young people have a variety of positive experiences, and ultimately are safe and happy." 

Paula Stanford, Chief Operating Officer for Aspris Care, said: "Tracey is an exceptional Registered Manager, who leads such a talented and hardworking team at Hobbit House. It is a remarkable achievement to be rated ‘Outstanding’ in all of the Ofsted inspection categories, and everyone involved deserves such a huge congratulations. The staff team there do a brilliant job and I am so pleased this is reflected throughout the report."