Social care · Children's home inspection (SCCIF)
Children's home run by Purple Oak Support
Summary
What we read, and from where
Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.
- Group verified
Purple Oak Support
- Inspection date verified
10 Mar 2026
- Helped and protected verified
Outstanding
- Leadership and management verified
Outstanding
- Overall effectivenesssingle source
Outstanding
- Name on report verified
2504775
- URN verified
2504775
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.
Grade profile
Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2024.
- OverallOutstanding
- Helped and protectedOutstanding
- Leadership and managementOutstanding
12% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Outstanding (12,716 inspections).
Tone of the report
How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.
In line with other reports of this type graded Outstanding.
Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.
How the report reads, start to finish
Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.
Strengths
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- These qualities contribute to the positive and thriving home, where children flourish. p.3
- Children enjoy consistent and attentive care from staff who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their wellbeing. p.3
- The children's home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. p.1
- There is an exceptional team culture, and the nurturing approach underpins staff practice. p.3
- Staff speak positively about working at this home, highlighting the strong support and professional development opportunities provided. p.4
Concerns
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
No strong criticism found.
Next steps
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
No next steps set out.
What the report dwells on
Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.
Leadership & governance6
“The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding” p.1Parents & families3
“Feedback from professionals and families is consistently positive.” p.4
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 7
- Words of findings
- 822
- shorter than usual (typical 1354)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 38, typical 49
- Average sentence
- 16 words
- Next steps
- 0
- typical 1
- Hedged sentences
- 6%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
Inspection report for children's home: 2504775 1 Registered provider: Purple Oak Support
p.1
Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework
p.1
Information about this children's home
This home provides overnight short breaks for up to 6 children and young people aged between 3 and 19 years with additional and sometimes complex needs. There were no children receiving short breaks at the time of this inspection.
p.1
Information about this children's home
The manager has been registered with Ofsted since 12 February 2019.
p.1
Overall experiences and progress of
children and young people, taking into account
p.1
outstanding
How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding
p.1
outstanding
The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding
p.1
outstanding
The children's home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children's home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.
p.1
outstanding
Date of last inspection: 10 October 2024
p.1
outstanding
Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding
p.1
outstanding
Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: 2504775 2
p.1
Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement
10/10/2024 Full Outstanding 06/03/2024 Full Good 07/11/2022 Full Good 01/11/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: 2504775 3
p.2
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding
Children's needs are the central focus of all care provided when they come to stay. Children are cherished, valued and loved by staff. The home's welcoming atmosphere creates a sense of safety and comfort. Bedrooms are themed and are personalised prior to each child's arrival. The home is bursting with photographs of children having fun. These qualities contribute to the positive and thriving home, where children flourish.
p.3
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding
Children enjoy consistent and attentive care from staff who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their wellbeing. There is an exceptional team culture, and the nurturing approach underpins staff practice. Staff ensure that children have access to all areas of the home and promote children's independence through individualised communication methods and the implementation of specific daily routines. Staff help children to develop these skills and their confidence through consistent and empowering care.
p.3
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding
Children benefit from a wide range of enriching experiences both in the home and the community. For example, there is a fully equipped sensory room, a sunken trampoline and undercover areas for children to enjoy. The garden is thoughtfully designed with a wheelchair-accessible double swing for children to appreciate together. There are also beautiful flowers, trees and plants, giving children an inviting space and opportunities to play, be creative and relax.
p.3
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding
Leaders and managers carefully consider children's needs and preferences to ensure that they have the most positive experiences with their friends when they come to stay at the home and that the risk of disharmony is reduced.
p.3
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding
Children are regularly encouraged to share their views and feelings with staff through their preferred communication methods and daily interactions. Leaders and managers have implemented a 'you said, we did' display, which shows children how their views have been responded to. Staff have also introduced visual displays, such as an individual feelings board, which helps children and staff to tell each other how they are feeling through pictures.
p.3
How well children and young people are helped and protected: outstanding
Children live in a safe, supportive environment where staff understand and meet their individual needs. The safety of the children is paramount. Staff are well trained and understand their responsibilities to keep children safe and competently report any concerns.
p.3
How well children and young people are helped and protected: outstanding
Leaders and managers maintain strong partnerships with local authorities and safeguarding agencies. Staff proactively manage risks, including self-injurious behaviours, by removing potential hazards. They fiercely advocate for children's safety both in and outside of the home. Inspection report for children's home: 2504775 4 Children's medication is managed effectively. Staff collaborate closely with external agencies and healthcare professionals to ensure that they are following the most up-to- date guidance and that administration is safe. Staff demonstrate diligence in fulfilling all medication-related responsibilities and constantly review recording practices to ensure that they are always capturing the most relevant information, including responses from children.
p.3
How well children and young people are helped and protected: outstanding
Although no complaints have been received since the last inspection, managers and staff maintain transparency in their practice and provide clear information on how to raise concerns.
p.4
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding
The home is led by highly ambitious and innovative leaders who are committed to achieving the best outcomes for children. They collaborate effectively with external agencies and confidently advocate for children's needs.
p.4
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding
Staff speak positively about working at this home, highlighting the strong support and professional development opportunities provided. Leaders and managers are widely respected for their ability to inspire and guide the team. One staff member said, 'It's the best job ever. I have a positive relationship with all the staff, and it is wonderful to see so many young people staying with us and feeling so safe, comfortable and supported.'
p.4
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding
Staff receive regular supervision that supports reflective practice. The implementation of the annual appraisal promotes deeper analysis of successes, challenges and development. Team meetings provide opportunities for staff. Additionally, staff workshops have been implemented to strengthen collaboration and enhance knowledge- sharing, fostering a cohesive and effective team approach to supporting children.
p.4
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding
Feedback from professionals and families is consistently positive. The home maintains transparent, collaborative relationships with parents and the wider professional network. This approach has strengthened family stability and contributed to improved outcomes for children. One social care professional said, 'We have established a relationship built on trust, respect and open communication. The team at the home is consistently approachable, and they are always willing to engage in discussions regarding children.' Inspection report for children's home: 2504775 5
p.4
Information about this inspection
Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the 'Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards'. Inspection report for children's home: 2504775 6
p.5
Children's home details
Registered provider address: The Wellington Centre, Winchester Road, ANDOVER, Hampshire SP10 2EG
p.6
Inspector
Hannah Cox, Social Care Compliance Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2504775 7 achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.
p.6
Inspector
If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .
p.7
Inspector
Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .
p.7
Inspector
T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted
p.7
Discuss this inspection
Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.
Join the discussion