Disabled children's service ‘intuitive and respectful’, says Ofsted

A short breaks service for disabled children run by Slough’s children’s services has received an ‘outstanding’ grade from Ofsted at its latest inspection.

Breakaway is run by Slough Children First. It offers short breaks for children with learning and/or physical disabilities.

In exceptional circumstances, the home may provide children with an extended or full-time care package.

The home currently provides short breaks to 17 children and longer-term care to one child.

A two-day Ofsted inspection took place in October, with the results published last month. At the time there were nine children accessing the service.

Breakaway has maintained its outstanding grade from the last inspection, having received one in March of this year.

This brought it up from ‘good’ resulting from its inspection February 2024, which it has remained since 2019. Before that it was marked ‘requires improvement.’

In the latest report, inspectors acknowledged that Breakaway provides consistent and effective support and supervision; staff take thoughtful measures to protect children’s rights; and that they have in-depth knowledge of their roles and safeguarding responsibilities.

They recognised that partnership working is a significant strength, utilising external professionals and parents who are actively involved in helping understand the children’s specific needs and interests.

Ofsted found that ‘staff are intuitive, kind, and respectful when meeting children’s needs’ and are ‘creative and forward-thinking.’

Inspectors praised the inclusivity at the children’s home, with holidays such as Eid and Diwali being celebrated and the ‘excitement’ children felt for these.

The watchdog observed that a range of communication methods are used at Breakaway, supporting both verbal and non-verbal children and their families.

Other findings in the report included:

W Children make ‘incredible’ progress

W Leaders and managers manage complaints swiftly and effectively

W Leaders and managers show an openness and commitment to learning and welcome feedback

W There is ‘excellent’ advocacy for the children.

The one area of improvement Ofsted recommended was to say that the service should ensure that any child who lives in the home longer term is registered with a dentist.

Sue Butcher, executive director of children’s services and chief executive of Slough Children First, said: “What a great achievement for Slough.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work that professionals who support our children and young people at Breakaway put in, to ensure that the service goes from strength to strength.

“The positive feedback is a testament that our children and young people are valued, treated as individuals, and are thriving.”

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for education and children’s services, said: “Maintaining our outstanding rating from Ofsted is another fantastic achievement for all the Breakaway staff and the wider team.

“Reading the Inspector’s praise of the team and their dedication to advocate for the children in their care is inspiring.

“We are fortunate to have such hardworking and caring professionals looking after our children and young people when respite is needed.

“Thank you to the whole team for your commitment to achieving this wonderful result.”