Calleydown Shortbreak Children’s Home has maintained it’s ‘good’ rating by Ofsted inspectors for the fourth consecutive year.
The residential home in New Addington is run by Croydon Council and provides short stays for children and young people who have severe learning difficulties and complex needs. The stays benefit the children, while giving their caregivers time for other activities.
The Ofsted report – which recorded ‘good’ in all areas of inspection – highlighted that the experienced staff know the children well, support their needs and keep them safe. ‘Staff create a warm and enjoyable environment, interacting playfully with the children’, the inspector reported.
‘Staff understand the children’s ways of communicating and give children choices, acknowledging their wishes and feelings,’
The Ofsted inspection found that Calleydown staff create positive transitions into and out of the home, creating tailored plans in partnership with schools, parents, health services and the children themselves. When children move onto being supported by adult social care, staff plan the transition process carefully and help the young people build and develop their independence skills.
Children who stay at Calleydown can take part in a variety of various activities, such as football and singing. The home has a sensory room, soft-play area and a spacious, adapted garden for the children to explore. The Council has recently refurbished the kitchen and replaced the flooring and furnishings to create a high-quality, homely environment.
Kikeloma Iluyemi’s son, Adeboye, has been having breaks at Calleydown for nearly 10 years. He will be leaving soon as he transitions to adult social care. She said: “He has always loved going there and has always been treated with love, care and compassion. Calleydown has been God sent to me as a parent and both of us will certainly miss their care, support and professionalism.”
Angela Lewis Igiran, Deputy Home Manager, said: “I have been very proud to be part of the Calleydown team for 19 years. It is more than a short break children’s home – it is a home from home that offers children excellent safe environment for fun, making friends and promoting independence.
“Our dedicated staff are compassionate, caring, reliable, consistent and well trained, providing outstanding care with professionalism and warmth. Our commitment to excellence ensures peace of mind for families and highest levels of satisfaction.”
“I welcome this ‘good’ report by Ofsted, which recognises that the standard of care being provided by our children’s service at Calleydown Shortbreak Children’s Home has been sustained over the years.
“It is my priority to make sure that all children and young people in Croydon can thrive. The short stay breaks being provided give children with very complex needs the opportunity to experience a range of activities in a safe and homely environment, while giving their families and carers much-needed respite.
“I want to thank and congratulate the staff and management of Calleydown on another successful Ofsted inspection.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
