Douglas House Achieves Ofsted’s Outstanding Award for Third Consecutive Year
Douglas House, one of New Horizons (NW) growing portfolio of residential care homes, continues to demonstrate excellence in residential care for children and young people, securing the Ofsted Outstanding award for the third year in a row.
A Commitment to Exemplary Care
Douglas House, a children’s home in the North West of England, has once again been recognised for its unwavering commitment to providing exemplary care and support to children with complex needs.
In the most recent full inspection conducted by Ofsted on 27 and 28 February 2024, the home was rated as ‘Outstanding’ across all areas, including the overall experiences and progress of children, how well they are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
This achievement marks the third consecutive year that Douglas House has received the prestigious Outstanding rating, reflecting the consistently high standards maintained by the dedicated staff and management team.
Tailored Support for Unique Needs
Douglas House caters to up to two children at a time, focusing on those who have experienced social and emotional difficulties due to early life trauma, as well as children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The home’s approach is deeply personalised, with each child receiving care that is specifically tailored to their unique circumstances and challenges.
According to the latest inspection report, the children residing at Douglas House have made remarkable progress, both academically and socially.
The report highlights the close, family-like relationships between staff and children, which have been pivotal in fostering an environment where children feel safe, valued, and understood.
The use of innovative strategies, such as personalised communication tools and sensory environments, has been instrumental in helping children express themselves and engage more fully with their education and social activities.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
The leadership at Douglas House, now under the guidance of Registered Manager Matt Bullock, has been praised for its commitment to continuous improvement and reflective practice.
The home’s management team encourages a culture of curiosity and learning among staff, ensuring that care practices are informed by the latest research and best practices in child care.
The Ofsted report commended the manager’s passion and dedication, noting that the team’s proactive approach to care has resulted in consistently positive outcomes for the children.
The home’s effective use of external partnerships, such as collaborations with health services and therapeutic specialists, further enhances the support available to children, particularly in areas such as mental health, sleep routines, and relationship education.
Looking Ahead
As Douglas House celebrates its continued success, the team remains focused on the future, with plans to build on its achievements and further enhance the quality of care provided.
This year’s Outstanding award is not just a recognition of past accomplishments, but also a motivation to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of residential child care.
The dedication and hard work of the Douglas House team have set a benchmark for other residential homes, demonstrating what can be achieved when there is a genuine commitment to the well-being and development of vulnerable children and young people.
Original article, published 22nd March 2023: Ofsted Outstanding Award for Exceptional Care
In a time when positive news stories can be hard to come by, one children’s home in the heart of Lancashire has received an Ofsted Outstanding award for its exceptional care and dedication to the children and young people in their care.
The staff and management team at Douglas House were delighted to receive the news that they had been awarded the prestigious Ofsted Outstanding rating by the government’s regulatory body for children’s services. This is the highest rating that can be awarded and is a reflection of the exceptional care and support provided to the young people who live at the home.
The home has a warm and welcoming environment, with well-trained and dedicated staff who are committed to providing the highest level of care for the children. The staff members work tirelessly to ensure that the children’s physical, emotional, and social needs are met, and they provide a nurturing and supportive environment that helps the children to thrive.
The Ofsted Outstanding report praised Douglas House for its excellent leadership, which fosters a positive and inclusive culture throughout the home. The report also noted that the home provides a range of activities and opportunities for the children who are encouraged to develop their interests and talents, and the staff members work to build their self-esteem and confidence.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this Ofsted Outstanding award and recognition,” said Douglas House manager, Nia Jones. “Our staff work incredibly hard to create a warm and welcoming environment where children and young people can thrive, and it’s wonderful to see their efforts recognised in this way.”
Douglas House is a truly exceptional children’s home that provides outstanding care and support for vulnerable children and young people. The home’s dedicated staff members and excellent leadership have created a nurturing and inclusive environment where the children can thrive, and reach their full potential, creating positive outcomes.
The Ofsted Outstanding award, sustained from the previous year, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the home, and it is well-deserved recognition of the exceptional services that Douglas House provides.
Working with and caring for children and young people is ‘more than just a job!’
At New Horizons (NW) we are passionate about ‘creating positive outcomes’ for all our children and young people, so staff support and development is crucial to providing the care that our children and young people need.
As an expanding business we are always seeking to recruit enthusiastic, driven and empathetic people who are looking to make a significant difference to the lives of children and young people living in residential care.
If you’d like to know more about a career in caring at New Horizons (NW) visit our website > Careers
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