Service providing respite breaks for disabled children celebrated in OFSTED report
A respite unit caring for disabled children in Worcestershire has been hailed by OFSTED following a recent inspection.
Osborne Court run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust provides overnight stays for children between the ages of 2 and 18 years old with learning and/or a physical disabilities. In the reports published last month, inspectors spoke highly of the service and its staff, noting that children accessing the service enjoy their stays, and are supported to develop social skills to become more independent through the range of activities available.
They added, children using the service are cared for by committed staff who pick up on subtle cues, to support and help children form friendships with others during their stay.
Located in Malvern, the service comprises of two units; Sir Jules Thorn House which opened in 2000 and Sir Jules Thorn House 2 which opened in 2020. Both units are purpose built and designed to provide the best facilities for children and young people with complex health needs.
Following the inspection, both units have been rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED.
One parent, who’s child accesses the children’s short breaks service said: “Osborne Court is a real lifesaver. My child loves going and given the chance would stay forever. It is fantastic knowing my child is safe and well looked after during their visit, allowing me time to relax.”
Amanda Ewer, Registered Manager of Children’s Replacement Care said: “I am so proud to work with such a fantastic staff team. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the children was evident throughout the inspections and I am really pleased that they have been recognised for this.”
Claire Bubb, Matron at Osborne Court said: “It’s fantastic that the OFSTED report recognises all the hard work the team put in day in and day out.
“The team are always so positive and care so passionately about the children who use our service, and the children always have such a fun time when they come and stay with us. The team provide an excellent service, and I am lucky to be a small part of that.”
The full OFSTED report on Osborne Court is available to read online, and you can find out more about the service on the Trust website.