Berkshire children’s home receives ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted

A children’s home in West Berkshire is celebrating after being awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Five Oaken Cottage is a three-bedroom home for youngsters aged between five and 18 with social, emotional and mental health issues.

Run by Amegreen Children’s Services, Five Oaken Cottage was awarded the rating following its highly effective services and positive experiences of children and young people who need help, protection and care.

Only 10% of UK children’s homes were graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2023 and Five Oaken Cottage is the third of Amegreen’s homes to achieve this. In June, Barn Owl in West Berkshire was awarded ‘Outstanding’ and Jasper House in Hampshire was also lauded after its first inspection.

Based near Reading, Amegreen provides a community of bespoke, niche children’s homes across rural West Berkshire and Hampshire for some of the most vulnerable children in society.

Ofsted reported that the managers and adults at Five Oaken Cottage “are strong role models” and that the children are “cared for by a skilled, kind and committed group of adults who know them extremely well”.

The staff also “create a culture which is nurturing and helps children to feel safe. They share a clear vision about how to achieve the best possible outcomes for children”.

Director of Amegreen Children’s Services Rachel Redgwell said: “We are so proud of our teams, and this is great recognition of all their hard work.

“We pride ourselves on the fact that each of our homes is suited to the needs of the children, whether that is due to learning disabilities, mental health, or those who have experienced significant loss and trauma. It’s crucial that our youngsters feel part of a community and not singled out for their special needs.”