'Keeping children's best interests at the heart of decision making'. Canon's House given Good rating by Ofsted

A children's home which provides short breaks for children with disabilities or sensory impairment has been given a Good rating by Ofsted with Outstanding leaders and managers.

Canon's House is run by Wiltshire Council and can provide short breaks for children with disabilities or sensory impairment. Ofsted carried out a full inspection in October and has just published its findings.

Inspectors say the home is designed with children in mind with brightly coloured walls and the smell of cooking and baking contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.

The report says: "Staff have a good understanding of children's individual needs, and they deliver care in accordance with agreed plans. One father said that staff 'get on my son's level and get the best out of him'. Staff help children to make progress in areas that are meaningful for their development. For example, staff have helped one child to increase their tolerance towards other people. They have supported another child to eat meals at the table.

"Staff are respectful and kind towards children. Their interactions are caring, energetic and playful. Children enjoy playing with staff, and they are encouraged to participate in varied activities, for example arts and crafts, imaginative play and visiting the farm. Children have access to a sensory room, projectors and, more recently, an interactive table. The latter has resulted in children spending more time together, playing virtual games.

The report also comments on staff's proactive approach offering children choice, allowing them to make decisions about activities and food and communicate with their parents during visits.

It adds: "Inclusivity is clearly important to staff, and this is reflected in the home. There is a lift for children who use wheelchairs, and garden planters have been raised so that they can participate in gardening. Children have access to books that celebrate differences and illustrate characters that look like them. Staff cater to children's religious needs, for example reading a prayer to one child before they go to bed."

The registered manager and senior support workers have established good working relationships with external professionals, including the children's allocated social workers and the duty team. Staff sometimes visit children at school, showing curiosity about their experiences outside of the home and exploring what works well in other settings. Staff attend the children's local authority meetings, sharing their insights and making contributions to children's care plans. The registered manager is a child-focused practitioner who keeps children's best interests at the centre of decision-making.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for SEND said: Parents want to know when they leave their children at a short breaks place such as Canon's House, that they are safe, well cared for and their best interests are at the heart of everything. I am very pleased to see this independent inspection has shown Canon's House does all that and more to ensure children enjoy and get the very best from their stay. In our business plan we say we want every child to achieve their optimal physical, emotional and mental health. Canon's House is leading the way and I congratulate all the hard working staff and everyone involved for this well-deserved report.

You can read the report here - Ofsted