Two Nottingham City Council’s residential homes for young people have been praised by Ofsted inspectors.

A residential home in The Meadows that gives short breaks for young people with learning disabilities provides an exceptionally high quality service and has been judged Outstanding, while a residential home in Sherwood has been rated Good for its strong provision and support for 16-18 year olds who are leaving care and becoming independent.

The inspectors, who made unannounced visits to the homes, commended staff for the way they build good relationships with the young people, meet their individual needs and for their care and support. Both homes were praised for the way they are organised and run.

Young people aged between eight and 19 who have learning disabilities including autistic spectrum disorder, stay at the home in The Meadows for short breaks according to their and their family’s needs. Inspectors said staff develop good ways of communicating with those who have communication difficulties and help them make decisions about their stay.

Inspectors highlighted the way young people were able to help prepare food in the kitchen, menu planning included culturally appropriate food and staff had developed a system that helped young people understand which food was healthy and which was not.

Residents continued to attend school, where staff visited them, and they were encouraged to join in the good social life at the home that included visits to the park, cinema, youth clubs, swimming and train trips. Staff have helped the young people go on a camping trip to a music festival and a short break at Centre Parks.

At the Sherwood home a maximum of six young people who have all left full time education, live in bedsits for which they have their own key. The Ofsted inspectors said the way the home was run and the young people safeguarded was “outstanding”, with staff working very hard to create a suitable balance of care, humour and firm boundaries. Although the young people were unsupervised out of the home, they were clear about the time they should be back and that action would be taken if they were missing.

Staff were commended for the way the helped the young people with health care and to lead healthy lives, encouraged them through college, work experience and employment and helped them achieve and make a positive contribution.

Councillor Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio holder for Children’s Services, paid tribute to the staff at both centres.

"Ofsted inspectors called unannounced and found that both homes were well managed, well run, with clear and accurate documentation of everything that was needed. They found staff who were caring and committed to providing the best possible help and support to the young people in their charge.

"I am very proud of our staff and of the young people at these centres for the results of these inspections."