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Real ethos of positivity: The Bridge Earns High Praises from Ofsted

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

The Bridge, a children’s home in Progress Children’s Services, has received commendations in its first full inspection by Ofsted. The inspection, carried out in June 2024, highlights the home’s commitment to providing exceptional care and support for children. 

The Ofsted report awarded an “outstanding” rating for the effectiveness of The Bridge’s leadership and management. Registered Manager Nicole received praise for her lofty expectations and ambition for the children’s progress. The report noted her strong advocacy and active partnership working, which set a positive example for the staff and fostered a collaborative and enthusiastic care environment. 

According to Ofsted, children at The Bridge are experiencing substantial progress, with their overall experiences rated as “good.” The report emphasised the home’s ability to provide swift, well-planned care, making children feel valued from the moment they arrive. Ofsted also commended the staff for their dedication, highlighting actions such as quickly arranging school uniforms and understanding complex health needs for tailored care planning. 

All-round accolades 

The report highlighted the staff’s skill in communicating with children using creative methods tailored to individual needs. This has enabled children to make choices about their care, activities, and meals. Ofsted also observed that involving families in care planning has significantly improved family relationships, ensuring positive experiences during family time. 

Safety and protection at The Bridge were also rated “good.” Ofsted praised the staff’s understanding of risks and implementation of clear routines and boundaries. It added that the home’s professional management of health and safety ensures a secure environment for the children. 

Regarding continuous staff development, Ofsted said The Bridge is committed to continuous staff training and development. It mentioned that regular supervision and training sessions equip staff to meet the children’s needs effectively. In addition, it said the manager’s reflective approach to service improvement ensures that the home continually evolves, providing the best possible care. 

The report also noted a “real ethos of positivity” at The Bridge, emphasising the home’s commitment to ensuring that children benefit from their time there and carry their progress into their futures. The collaborative working culture and use of research-informed practices, Ofsted said, have significantly impacted the children’s outcomes. 

Progress is proud of the positive feedback from this inspection and remains dedicated to providing outstanding care and support for the children and families we serve. 

Bal Dhanoa, Founder and CEO, Progress: “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding feedback The Bridge has received in its first Ofsted inspection. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care and support. Our dedicated team’s passion and hard work have truly made a difference in the lives of these children, and we will continue to strive for excellence in all our services.” 

Claire Rogers, Managing Director, Progress: “The positive outcomes highlighted in the Ofsted report are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team at The Bridge. We are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for the children in our care, and it is gratifying to see our efforts recognized. We will continue to build on this success and ensure that every child who comes to us at Progress receives the best possible care and support.” 

Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services, Progress: “I am thrilled with the glowing feedback from Ofsted regarding The Bridge. The report underscores the importance of our comprehensive approach to care, which includes robust planning, family involvement, and a focus on the individual needs of each child. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in our services, and this recognition motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries of excellence.” 

Angeline Freer, Head of Corporate and Commercial Services, Progress: “The success of The Bridge in its first Ofsted inspection is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the strong leadership and collaborative spirit within our organisation. It is incredibly rewarding to see our commitment to providing safe, effective, and nurturing care acknowledged. We will continue to support our teams to ensure that we maintain these high standards and deliver positive outcomes for all the children and families we serve.”  

There are exciting career opportunities at The Bridge and across Progress: progresscare.co.uk/jobs

Hilton House Shines in First Full Ofsted Inspection

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Staff understand the vulnerabilities of children living at the home. They know how to keep children safe. Care is well organised and arranged…” — Ofsted. 

Hilton House, a part of Progress Children’s Services, recently underwent an unannounced Ofsted inspection, a crucial requirement for any service in the care sector in the UK. The positive outcome of this thorough evaluation, spanning two days, is a testament to the home’s commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring the well-being of its residents.  

Explaining how it all happened, Josh, the registered manager of Hilton House, revealed the Ofsted team arrived without prior notice on the 11th of June. Such inspections are designed to provide an accurate and unfiltered view of the home’s operations and the quality of care provided. 

“They came without any notice and stayed for two days,” Josh explained. “The first day was a full day of inspection, and they returned the next day to complete their evaluation.” 

What Ofsted said 

Children enjoy a range of activities at the home and going out to places they enjoy. Staff have a passion for creating fun and enjoyable experiences for children.” — Ofsted. 

In its official report on Hilton House, Ofsted said the overall experiences and progress of the children and young people have been rated as ‘good,’ reflecting the high-quality care and positive environment we strive to create. 

The report highlights the carefully planned introductions and personalised care that have allowed children to settle in quickly and comfortably. Ofsted commended the staff’s attentiveness and proactive approach that ensures that each child’s unique needs are met with dignity and respect. From understanding preferred communication methods to celebrating cultural events like Eid, Ofsted said the team goes above and beyond to make every child feel valued and supported. 

One of the key successes noted in the report is the strong, trusting relationships that the staff have built with the children. By actively listening and engaging with the children, Ofsted said the staff at Hilton House have created an environment where children feel comfortable and cared for. Progress’ innovative approaches, such as using social stories to reduce anxiety around health topics, did not go unnoticed. Ofsted said these empower children to develop independence and confidence. 

Ofsted also affirmed that safety is a top priority at Hilton House. The regulator commended the staff’s improved understanding of safeguarding procedures and their vigilance in addressing concerns promptly and effectively. Hilton House’s well-organised care plans and positive behaviour support strategies, Ofsted noted, help children feel secure and understood, promoting a nurturing atmosphere conducive to their growth and development. 

Staff feel well supported by managers at the home.” — Ofsted. 

“Hilton House has shown significant growth. The team at the service are reflecting the broader organisational dedication to continuous improvement, ensuring that training, supervision, and feedback mechanisms are robust and effective. This commitment to professional development enhances the quality of care we provide and supports our team in their roles,” said Bal Dhanoa, CEO, Progress.

“We believe in the power of joy and shared experiences to enrich the lives of the children in our care. From memorable celebrations to inclusive community events, we strive to create a lively, engaging environment where our young people can thrive and create happy memories,” said Claire Rogers, Managing Director Progress.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and the entire Progress Children’s Services community. Your unwavering support and commitment make achievements like this possible. Together, we will continue to provide exceptional care, fostering a brighter future for all the children at Progress,” said Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services, Progress.

“While we celebrate these successes, we remain committed to further enhancing our services. Our goal is to continue building on this strong foundation to ensure that Progress remains a beacon of excellence in children’s services,” said Angeline Freer, Head of Corporate and Commercial Services, Progress.

Hilton House’s journey 

Staff understand children’s preferred methods of communication and they actively listen to children to gain their views and choices. As a result, children have quickly built trusted relationships with staff. Children are comfortable with staff and value their company.” — Ofsted 

According to Josh, the inspectors were impressed “with the progress made since their last visit. “They recognised the journey we’ve been on, from our initial setup to now having five young people in our care. I always tell the team not to be afraid to show their best and just be proud of what they are doing. When visitors come into the home this should not change anything. Ofsted are not there to trip us up, they are supporting us to improve. I am so pleased that the inspectors were able to see the home at its best, witnessing some great practice from staff and the environment being used to its full potential.” 

“They saw our team in action, managing various situations with skill and empathy,” Josh shared. “This really showcased the quality of care we provide.” 

The design and layout of Hilton House also received commendation. The home which was designed for sensory enrichment is tailored to support children with learning disabilities and special needs.  featuring functional and welcoming large open spaces and decor. “The inspectors appreciated the environment Progress created,” Josh said. “Our home is designed to be suitable for young people with various needs, and this was recognised during the inspection.” 

Staff Training and Development 

Ongoing training is a key component of the staff development programme at Hilton House. Josh highlighted the importance of therapeutic approaches in their work. “We’re continually training our staff in therapeutic methods,” Josh noted. “Even those who haven’t completed their training yet are already applying what they’ve learned, which is reflected in their interactions and paperwork.” This commitment to training ensures that the staff are well-equipped to handle the diverse needs of the young people in their care. 

With the positive outcome of the Ofsted inspection, Josh and his team are looking forward to continuing their work with renewed confidence. They are also preparing for a busy summer, planning various activities and events to keep the young people engaged and active during the school holidays. 

“We want to make the most of the summer and ensure the kids have an enjoyable and productive break,” Josh shared. The team have already planned activities for the Summer and have some ideas for more” 

Progress Children’s Services Shine in Ofsted Inspections

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress Children’s Services is celebrating outstanding achievements following the first full inspections of two of its children’s homes, The Bridge and Hilton House, by Ofsted. Both homes have received high commendations for their commitment to the exceptional care and support for children with special needs. 

The Bridge earned an “outstanding” rating for its leadership and management. The report praised Registered Manager Nicole for her ambitious vision and effective advocacy, fostering a collaborative and enthusiastic care environment. Children at The Bridge are making noteworthy progress, with their experiences rated as “good.” Ofsted highlighted the home’s swift and well-planned care, which makes children feel valued from their arrival. Staff dedication, such as arranging school uniforms and understanding complex health needs, was also noted. The Bridge’s commitment to continuous staff training and development ensures high-quality care and a positive, evolving environment. 

Hilton House also received positive feedback, with Ofsted rating the overall experiences and progress of the children as “good.” The unannounced inspection highlighted the home’s well-organised and dignified care, quick settling-in processes, and staff attentiveness to each child’s unique needs. Strong, trusting relationships between staff and children were commended, along with innovative approaches like using social stories to reduce anxiety around health topics. Safety and safeguarding were top priorities, with staff demonstrating a solid understanding and prompt action on concerns. 

Bal Dhanoa, Founder and CEO of Progress, expressed immense pride in the feedback, attributing the success to the team’s unwavering commitment to high-quality care. Claire Rogers, Managing Director, and Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of a nurturing and supportive environment and the comprehensive approach to care planning. Angeline Freer, Head of Corporate and Commercial Services highlighted the strong leadership and collaborative spirit that contributed to these achievements. 

Both The Bridge and Hilton House have demonstrated significant growth and excellence, setting a positive example in children’s services. The homes’ dedication to continuous improvement and staff development, along with a focus on individual needs and family involvement, ensures that children at Progress Children’s Services receive the best possible care and support.