Canon’s House in Devizes has been praised by inspectors after achieving a Good rating from Ofsted, with Outstanding leadership.
The short breaks service, run by Wiltshire Council, supports children and young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties, alongside complex health and care needs.
Inspectors highlighted the commitment of staff, stating that ‘children receive good quality care from a dedicated team of staff who strive to meet their needs.’
The report notes that many children using the service have complex needs and may be non-verbal. Staff were praised for paying close attention to behavioural cues and responding quickly and appropriately, helping children feel understood and supported.
Inspectors also found that children are confident, relaxed and happy during their time at Canon’s House. Staff were recognised for their strong understanding of each child’s individual needs, risks, communication styles, preferences and strengths.
The report adds that children are supported to make progress in key areas including communication, independence skills, socialisation, emotional regulation and decision making. Targets are regularly reviewed by managers to ensure they are meaningful and support developmental milestones.
Staff were also commended for working closely with families and other professionals to ensure smooth transitions into adult services. Leaders were described as working ‘incredibly hard’ to ensure children receive consistently good care.
Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said, “Congratulations to the team at Canon’s House for the positive impact they are having on the lives of children and their families.
“When I recently visited, I saw first-hand how much it means to parents and carers to know that their loved one is receiving the very best care and support.
“This report shows just how brilliantly the dedicated staff at Canon’s House help provide the support families need. Their warmth, expertise and the fun they bring to every visit make a real difference.
“Ofsted’s independent judgement simply confirms what we already knew – Canon’s House is an exceptional place for our children, and families can be confident their loved ones are in wonderful hands.”
The full inspection report can be found on the Ofsted website using reference number 50293356.
