Garden House Receives Good in Latest Ofsted Inspection 

Fair Ways is pleased to announce that Garden House, one of our Residential Children’s Homes, has been awarded a Good rating in its latest Ofsted inspection. All our Fair Ways Ofsted regulated services hold a Good or Outstanding rating. 

Inspectors praised the home for providing a safe, nurturing and child-centred environment, highlighting several areas of strong practice that reflect the dedication and compassion of the whole team.  

A Warm, Welcoming and Child-Led Home 

Inspectors praised Garden House for its “homely, well-maintained environment” and the team’s commitment to creating a “true sense of belonging.” Staff were recognised for their strong understanding of each child’s personal history, needs and emotional world.  

Relationships at Garden House are described as “secure and trusting,” with children increasingly confident to express their feelings and take steps in their emotional development. 

Supportive, Therapeutic and Reflective Practice 

The report highlighted the effective use of key-work sessions, which “help children explore important issues in a safe and meaningful way.” Inspectors also commended the ongoing therapeutic support provided by The Hub, an internal Fair Ways service which equips staff to deliver “trauma-informed care” and strengthens consistency across the home. 

Children’s voices were noted as being central to daily decision-making. The report observed that children’s wishes and feelings are “actively considered in care planning, activities and daily routines,” ensuring they are listened to and their views acted upon. 

Good Focus on Safety and Protection 

Inspectors found that Garden House provides a “safe and protective environment,” with staff responding calmly and empathetically when children experience distress. Physical interventions are “rare, proportionate and appropriately reviewed,” supported by additional oversight from Fair Ways’ restraint specialists. 

Medication management, incident recording, and safeguarding procedures were all highlighted as strong, with staff “confident in how to escalate concerns and advocate for children.” 

Committed Staff and a Clear Path for Improvement 

Staff were described as feeling “supported, valued and well-trained,” benefiting from supervision, reflective practice and therapeutic guidance. 

The report highlighted Garden House’s provision of stable routines, meaningful activities, and opportunities for children to develop confidence, explore interests and enjoy their childhood. 

A Home Where Children Truly Thrive 

Overall, the inspection confirms that Garden House is a place where children feel “safe, supported and able to grow.” With its nurturing environment, dedicated staff team, and ongoing improvements in leadership, Garden House remains a vital part of Fair Ways’ mission to help children flourish. 

Read the Ofsted report in full.

Gareth Webb, Managing Director of Fair Ways, said:  

I am incredibly proud of the team at Garden House for the commitment, resilience and heart they bring to their work every single day. This report reflects what we already know; that our staff create nurturing, child-centred environments where young people feel safe, valued and able to thrive. 

Thank you to every member of the team for the difference you make. Your dedication embodies the values of Fair Ways and continues to transform the lives of the children we support.

If you’d like to learn more about Fair Ways’ residential children’s homes, the therapeutic care we provide, or how you can begin a rewarding career as a Residential Support Worker, we’d love to hear from you.  

Discover more about our services and opportunities or get in touch with our team to discuss more about Fair Ways and how we make a meaningful difference to children’s lives.