Leeds children’s short breaks home rated outstanding by inspectors

A Leeds children’s home which provides short breaks and respite for children and young people with complex needs and disabilities has been rated as outstanding by government inspectors, Ofsted.

Rainbow House provides care and accommodation for up to 12 children or young people who have learning difficulties, physical disabilities and/or sensory impairment. Children and young people stay at the home for short breaks and on a shared-care basis.

Following their visit in December, inspectors rated both the effectiveness of leaders and managers, and how well children and young people are helped and protected at Rainbow House, as outstanding.

The latest Ofsted report about Rainbow House, which was published today, highlights that the complex needs of the children and young people who stay there are met to a “consistently high standard” by a very experienced and stable team. The inspectors were also impressed by initiatives the staff have developed which “increase the opportunities for the children and young people to communicate their needs and choices.” Commenting that: “The ‘voice’ of the children and young people is an exceptionally strong feature of practice in this home.”

The important issue of safety was also praised, with inspectors commenting that: “the children and young people are kept safe during their stays through effective supervision and attention to their health needs. This is reassuring to parents and carers.”

The management at Rainbow House was also highlighted in the report, which stated that: “Through an in-depth knowledge of the skills of his staff, the manager is empowering them to enhance and improve the care practice in the home. A wide range of creative ideas, which will be disseminated to other homes, is improving the care experience of the children and young people.”

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, executive board member for children and families said:

“It is fantastic that Ofsted has recognised that the staff and managers at Rainbow House really go the extra mile to ensure each child who stays there is treated as an individual, that their voice is heard and that they are safe and protected.

“Rainbow House not only provides a much-needed lifeline for families of children with special needs and disabilities, it also helps children who stay there make significant progress to reach their personal goals.”

To see the full report please visit: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/SC406505