Step by Step service first of kind to gain Ofsted accreditation
Ofsted’s report praised the service’s ‘excellent’ communication and its ability to match children with hosts who understand their needs
Youth charity Step by Step has announced that its supported lodgings scheme has become the first service of its kind in the UK to receive Ofsted accreditation.
The milestone follows the charity’s growth into the country’s largest provider of supported lodgings, accommodating and supporting hundreds of young people each year.
Ofsted’s report praised the service’s “excellent” communication and its ability to match children with hosts who understand their needs.
Inspectors noted that children “feel listened to” and that concerns are “quickly addressed”. The report highlighted improved college attendance, access to enrichment activities, better mental health and progress towards independence among young people in the scheme.
Other strengths included hosts described as “kind and welcoming”, bedrooms reflecting children’s interests, and young people joining hosts’ families for meals, holidays and celebrations. Leadership was described as “ambitious” and committed to improving lives.
Kelly Headen, head of fostering and supported lodgings at Step by Step, said: “We are immensely proud of our first Ofsted grading. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for their contributions during the inspection itself, and for continuing to work with us at Step by Step in such a collaborative way.
“It is us working together that achieves the lasting positive outcomes and experiences for so many young people in Step by Step supported lodgings.”
Last year the service found homes for 229 young people. The Ofsted inspection also made recommendations aimed at further strengthening the scheme.
