Inspectors have praised a Wolverhampton children's home which has maintained improved standards first highlighted last year.

Ofsted revisited Upper Pendeford Farm, managed by the City of Wolverhampton Council, last month to monitor progress since its last full inspection in May 2015 and again rated it to be "Good", saying it has "sustained effectiveness".

They found that young people living at Upper Pendeford Farm have "good relationships with staff" and "feel cared for and safe", while they are fully involved in decisions about their future. They added that residents "experienced successful transitions from the home and have been able to move forward with their lives".

Inspectors found that the recommendations made following last year's inspection had all been addressed, and that the home has put in place robust action plans which ensure that any "shortfalls are addressed", meaning the service continues to develop.

Two years ago, Upper Pendeford Farm was rated "Inadequate" by Ofsted, but thanks to a transformation overseen by staff, it has now been rated "Good" for 2 years running.

In the coming months, the home will be redesignated as a short breaks respite centre, and Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said the successful inspection has lain down a good foundation for the revamped service.

She said: "This monitoring inspection demonstrates that the improvements which have been made at Upper Pendeford Farm over the last 2 years have been maintained.

"The young people it supports are some of the most vulnerable in Wolverhampton, and I'm delighted that they are receiving a high quality service at Upper Pendeford Farm.

"I'd like to congratulate the staffing team who have worked tremendously hard to achieve this success, but we will not be resting on our laurels and will strive to further improve the service offered to young people at Upper Pendeford Farm in the future."

  • released: Monday 22 February, 2016