Aberdeenshire Council’s children’s homes have received a glowing report from the Care Inspectorate following annual inspections.
Three children’s homes were praised for the quality of care and support they provide, receiving a five-star rating. A further two were inspected for their environment, and another on the standard of management and leadership, with them all being awarded “very good” across all categories.
The report comes amid positive developments at the Aberdeenshire facilities, with authorities confident they are providing a high standard of care and sparking such initiatives as encouraging young residents of the homes who previously had poor or non-existent attendance to return to education.
Ensuring the children have access to the same opportunities as their peers is a focus of staff at the homes, who nurture them to take part in extra-curricular activities such as martial arts, boxing and becoming army cadets.
In addition to building their confidence and social skills, staff members also provide an independent living programme, covering life skills such as cooking, budgeting and how to use public transport.
Head of children’s services, Leigh Jolly, commended the care home teams for their commitment to supporting the children.
She said: “I would like to thank all our dedicated staff in our children’s homes who go above and beyond to provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment for everyone.”