Woodlands' Service is 'Outstanding'

The Together Trust's short break service for young people with disabilities has been awarded 'Outstanding' status by Ofsted this week.

Woodlands, the Cheadle-based facility that provides short breaks for children and young adults with physical and learning disabilities, received an unannounced inspection in July when it had all the key National Minimum Standards inspected. Officers spent the day reviewing all aspects of the service, including access to the community, healthy eating, education and the protection in place for users of the service.

The Ofsted report concluded that the young people attending Woodlands have access to an excellent range of activities both within the home and in the community. It highlighted that the “promotion of equality and diversity at Woodlands is outstanding” and that “individual needs are very well met.”

Pat Marsh, Woodlands’ manager, said: “We are naturally thrilled to be recognised by Ofsted as a provider of outstanding care and support to all that use the service. We know how much the children love coming to the facility and how much the parents appreciate the help and support offered by all of our staff. The report just goes to show that Woodlands really does make a positive contribution to the lives of young people and their families.”

The management and staff from Woodlands have also been acknowledged in the report for their outstanding contribution made to promote healthy lifestyles for the young people who come to stay at the home.

Julie McKinney’s son Nathan has been accessing the service for almost one year and added her endorsement to the service; “Woodlands has made such a big change to Nathan’s respite and my peace of mind. Everyone gets so involved with all the children, their needs, likes and dislikes and I like how well we are kept informed.”