Buttons, our residential service for children and young people with complex health conditions, in Wiltshire, is proud to announce that it has maintained an overall ‘Good’ rating following its recent Ofsted inspection.
The full inspection found the service ‘Good’ across all three inspected areas:
- Overall experiences and progress of children and young people
- How well children and young people are helped and protected
- The effectiveness of leaders and managers
Our Buttons service provides specialist residential care for children and young people with complex health conditions, such as brain injuries, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, or other complex needs.
Commenting on the ‘Good’ rating, Registered Manager Alicia Khusal said: “I am proud of the progress we have made and of the commitment and dedication shown by our colleagues, children, and young people, who demonstrated what Buttons represents.
We have ambitious and exciting plans for the future that will further strengthen our service and enrich the experiences and outcomes of the children and young people in our care. With continued reflection, development, and teamwork, I am confident we will continue to build on our progress.”
Below are some of the highlights taken from the inspection report:
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people
The inspection found that the children and young people at Buttons are making good progress, supported by staff who have a thorough understanding of their needs. Staff are creative in their communication with children and young people, using a range of tools and techniques to help them express their views and make informed choices.
The inspection report also noted that staff are skilled at interpreting body language and non-verbal cues, which helps children and young people feel safe, comfortable, and happy.
Children and young people were observed to enjoy a wide range of activities both at home and in the wider community. These have included ice skating, bike riding, and holidays, and the children and young people are actively involved in choosing and planning these activities.
Staff maintain strong relationships with the schools, communicating regularly with teachers to ensure they have relevant information about everyone’s health and well-being. When a school place was unavailable, staff collaborated with professionals to create and deliver a tailored timetable of activities based on the child’s needs and interests.
How well children and young people are helped and protected
The inspectors observed that children and young people were safe and well cared for at Buttons. Their care plans are thorough, enabling staff to understand each child’s unique needs. Staff quickly identify risks and are familiar with the systems in place to manage and mitigate them.
Buttons also work effectively with external partners. The report noted that the registered manager seeks advice from partner agencies, including health and police services, to ensure the safety of the children and young people.
The effectiveness of leaders and managers
The Registered Manager fosters a culture of accountability, encouraging staff to take responsibility for updating plans and sharing information to build their skills and confidence.
This inspection report added that staff are supported through regular, in-depth team meetings and that safeguarding processes are regularly reviewed. Staff noted that they enjoy working at Buttons and are knowledgeable, proactive, and demonstrate affection for the children and young people.
Buttons was found to be clean and tidy, with children’s artwork and photos displayed on the walls. The children and young people personalise the bedrooms according to their tastes. The garden has been renovated to be accessible and enjoyable, and it is a space that staff and children appreciate.
The final report upgrade reflects the dedication and hard work of the Buttons team.
Congratulations to all involved in maintaining the ‘Good’ rating!
For further information about Buttons, please visit their webpage.