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
