Leaders of Rose Road Association rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors

Based at the Bradbury Centre in Aldermoor Road, the Rose Road Association provides short breaks for children and young adults with severe disabilities, learning difficulties and autism.

The experience of people who stay at the association has been assessed as “good” by Ofsted, which rates the leaders and managers as “outstanding”.

“Equality and diversity are a strength of this home,” says the report. “Staff see children’s abilities and not their disabilities.

“Children have a happy, fun time, with staff keeping them as safe as possible as they access activities that might not otherwise have been available to them.

“Staff are successful at supporting children on long trips that parents once thought impossible.

“A child was able to enjoy a ‘sleepover’ with a friend during her short break, a situation the parents said would be difficult to achieve in the family setting.

“Boredom is not an option as children relish the variety of activities.

“One example is a ‘mobile farm’ that came to the home. Children were able to pet and stroke various animals in the back garden.”

Highlighting the progress made by children during their stay the report cites examples of youngsters improving their speech, graduating from a few words to full conversations. Others start to dine with everyone else, having previously preferred to eat alone.

The report also praises the “exceptional leadership” shown by senior staff.

“They have led the home through a period of change, putting in the necessary structures and accountabilities to bring about the improvements,” it says.

“There has been significant investment in the environment since the last inspection.

“This has included structural reconfiguration to the dining area, which now provides a pleasant and welcoming space for children to socialise while having their meals.

“Parents have contributed to the refurbishment of bedrooms, which is of a very high standard. Bathrooms and shower rooms have (also) been refurbished, providing a pleasant and hygienic environment.”

Summing up, the report says staff are “unreservedly committed” to their role.

It adds: “They demonstrate a care and compassion for children, putting the children’s needs at the centre of all their practice.

“Some staff complete fundraising events such as a skydive to raise money for the charity.

“Staff support children to go along to events to cheer the fundraisers along. This gives a sense of community ownership and a family feel.”

The association was founded in 1952 by a group of parents who decided to stage activities for disabled children and currently provides services for more than 300 youngsters.

It needs to raise £500,00 a year to fund its facilities.