'Thriving' Cuckfield children's home rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted

Orchard House in Hanlye Lane, Cuckfield, provides ‘highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good’, Ofsted inspectors found.

They visited the West Sussex County Council-run service on September 2 and 3, and praised the home’s motivated team of staff.

The report said: “Children thrive at this home. They benefit from excellent support from a staff team that cares deeply for them. Relationships between staff and parents are trusting and open.”

Susan Wadey has been the home's registered manager since 1991, and inspectors praised her ambition which they said was shared by her staff.

Susan told the Middy: “Children at Orchard House are at the centre of everything we do. I am so proud of my dedicated and caring staff and the support they give children and families.

“This report is a testament to them and the individual successes we celebrate every day.”

The Ofsted report said children’s voices and opinions were valued and promoted. It said progress, no matter how small, was celebrated and enjoyed.

The report added: “Children’s safety and well-being are of the utmost priority in this home.”

Jackie Wood, county council assistant corporate parenting director, said: “Inspectors found Orchard House is a highly effective home that consistently exceeds the standard of good and said that children’s voices and opinions are valued and promoted.

“Care offered by staff contributes to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people, who live or access services at the home.”

The county council’s active care homes are all Ofsted rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.