TWO city council-owned children’s homes in Leicester have been assessed to be ‘outstanding’ in all areas, following their annual inspections by Ofsted.
At the first home – rated ‘outstanding’ since 2021 – inspectors noted the “exceptional” progress made by children, and the highly individualised support they receive from committed and caring staff.
One young person described the difference the home had made to their life as “massive”.
The home – which looks after young people with social, emotional and mental health needs – cares for six children.
Ofsted’s report highlights the home’s strong and effective multi‑agency relationships, with staff going “over and above” in advocating for each child’s needs.
All children were found to be in education, including those who had been out of school for long periods. Staff were praised for prioritising education from the moment a child arrives and supporting children to re‑engage with learning.
Inspectors found staff to be happy and motivated, with the home benefitting from effective management and leadership.
Overall, the report concludes that the home provides highly effective care that consistently exceeds the standards required for a ‘good’ rating, contributing to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for the children and young people who live there.
The home’s manager, Michelle Woodrup, said: “I’m very lucky to have the staff that I have.
“They always go above and beyond, and I'm touched daily by the work and commitment they show to the children.
“I am also extremely proud of the children who live at the home. They have made significant changes to their lives and I am sure one day they will make a significant difference to the lives of others.”
The second home to receive an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted is a purpose-built unit that provides both respite care and full-time care to children with disabilities.
The residential home – which has improved its rating from ‘good’ this year – can accommodate up to nine young people aged between 8 and 18.
Ofsted inspectors praised the home for its warm, welcoming environment and the unwavering commitment of staff, who speak lovingly about the children and take their roles in the young people’s lives very seriously.
Both parents and professionals described the care provided as excellent and reported that children made significant progress at the home, with one young person telling inspectors: “All of the staff are great.”
The leadership team was described as exceptionally strong and knowledgeable, with leaders knowing the children extremely well. As a result, the home delivers the highest standard of care, with high aspirations for every child. Parents also highlighted the home’s ‘excellent’ communication, with one saying they could not ask for better care for their child.
The home’s manager, Paul Bakewell, said: “I am extremely proud of our staff.
“This ‘outstanding’ rating was achieved, thanks to their commitment and willingness to accept responsibility for ensuring that all the young people who live here, and those who are with us for short breaks, reach their full potential.”
Cllr Elaine Pantling, assistant city mayor for children and young people, said: “The vast majority of children who can’t live with their birth families live with foster carers, but increasing demand for children’s social care services across the country means there has been a significant rise in demand for residential children’s homes.
“That’s why it’s so important that the city council continues to invest in its children’s homes and provide a safe and stable home for some of our most vulnerable young people.
“I’m very proud of our children’s homes and the dedicated staff who run them, so I’m delighted that Ofsted has rated two of our homes as ‘outstanding’. This means that all seven of our children’s homes have now been rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted – an assessment that recognises our commitment to providing the best possible home environment for the children in our care.”
A total of 32 young people, aged between 6 and 18, currently live full-time in Leicester’s seven children’s homes.
Recent inspections of the city council’s five other homes resulted in ‘good’ ratings from Ofsted.
The city council’s eighth home is awaiting registration and should be ready to welcome its first young residents in summer 2026.