Outstanding Abbeyford Children's Home praised following latest Ofsted report
A St Helens Borough Council-run facility that provides short-stay respite for children and young people with physical and learning disabilities has come in for high praise after receiving a ninth consecutive Outstanding Ofsted report in ten-years.
Article date: 19 March 2026
Abbeyford Children's Home on Kingsley Road, Windle, was awarded the highest possible rating from Ofsted, scoring Outstanding across the board in all three main inspection areas following a visit earlier this year.
Key findings under the overall experiences and progress of children and young people found that children and young people who attend Abbeyford receive 'exceptional care that is sensitive to their individual needs' and that the service gives children and young people "enriching opportunities which expand their live experience' - with children who may not otherwise have had a holiday experience taken to North Wales in the past year and regularly take part in community-based activities.
Elsewhere in the glowing report, it was noted that the management at Abbeyford takes safeguarding responsibilities seriously and acts appropriately when needed, consulting with the children, young people and their families on a regular basis, with the service being flexible to individual family need.
In addition, the inspector was full of praise for management who are 'positive role models for children and the team' with the registered manager having 'successfully created a culture in which staff aspire to improve the lives of children they care for and always place the needs of children at the heart of their practice.'
Writing in her report, social care inspector, Katie Tomlinson, commented how 'there is a positive ethos in the home' and how 'leaders and managers know the children in their care well and have an ambitious vision for what children can achieve.'
Speaking of his pride, Mike Blood, Registered Manager at Abbeyford, said: "I am delighted that we have retained our 'Outstanding in all areas' rating from Ofsted. This is the ninth consecutive time in the past ten years that we have achieved this outcome, and I am very proud of the hard working and professional staff team we have here.
"Our success is based upon partnership working, and our hard working staff are well supported by the local schools our children attend, the social work team and wider council staff, who all play a role in the operation of our service. Finally, we couldn't do what we do without the support of the wonderful families who use our service. I want to thank them for their continuing support, which helps us at Abbeyford run the flexible and responsive service that we do."
Councillor Nova Charlton, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, visited the home this week to offer her congratulations.
Councillor Charlton said:
"This report is a testament to the dedicated team who go above and beyond to ensure children and young people in their care enjoy positive, rewarding experiences. As soon as you walk through the door, you feel the warmth and welcome created by the staff.
"A significant proportion of the council's budget is dedicated to children's services because we are absolutely committed to giving every child and young person the best possible start in life.
"Abbeyford is a shining example of what that investment looks like in practice - a nurturing and high‑quality service that consistently delivers exceptional care and life‑enhancing experiences for the children and families who rely on it."