Cedar House rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted

One youngster is supported to go to music festivals each year, while another has just enjoyed his first visit to the Flamingo Land theme park. Staff are supporting his mother and sister so they can take him in future.

All the children and young people have helped create a movie area in the home because they love gathering to watch films. They voted on the colours and chose bean bags and a projector.

Lee Miller, the home’s registered manager, said he was pleased Ofsted had recognised the hard work of staff and the progress the young people make there.

He said: “We have some children who moved in at 13 and are now coming up to 18, and they have developed lots of skills to be able to move into their own home.”

Getting children involved in what happens to them, and tailoring support to their individual needs, is vital for their happiness and progress, Lee said.

“For example, one young person came to Cedar House every day for two months before he moved in, so he was used to the home and the staff. It made him feel in control and involved in the move.

“We involve the children before they move in. They help pick out the colours for their room and choose how they want to decorate it.”

For those children who are pre-verbal, staff know them so well they pick up on their body language and how they are presenting to know when they are happy and content, Lee added.

Ofsted inspected Cedar House in March and declared it outstanding in all areas. It was the second consecutive outstanding rating for the County Durham home.

Families told Ofsted inspectors that they felt valued and welcome there. “One child’s mother said she feels like she is treated like an expert in her child’s life,” the report said.

Lee said staff enjoyed working closely with parents and carers. He said: “We always say to families that they’re not losing their son or daughter – they’re gaining a wider family.”