Ofsted praise ‘remarkable progress’ made by children living at ‘Outstanding’ Ruth House for Surrey children with learning or neurodevelopmental disabilities  

Following an inspection in October 2024, Ofsted has graded Ruth House, a children’s home for Surrey children and young people with learning or neurodevelopmental disabilities, as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. 

Ofsted commended the ‘remarkable progress’ that young people make whilst living at the home, with Inspectors observing that ‘they are looked after by staff who are deeply committed to understanding and meeting their individual needs.’ 

The home, which provides care for up to 12 children at a time, is operated by Surrey County Council and provides both short- and long-term care for children with additional learning needs and/or neurodevelopmental diversity.  

In a report published on 30 November, Ofsted recognised the attentive care delivered by the professionals working at the home, noting that: ‘Staff are familiar with each child’s methods of communication and enable children to influence decisions about the way that they are looked after. Staff are creative, and they are adept at expanding the range of communication tools available to children. Consequently, children know that their voices will be heard and their views are valued.’ 

Inspectors also shared the experiences of parents and carers, with one remarking that the staff had made their child’s life ‘interesting and fulfilled’ and that they ‘wished their child could stay forever.’  

The report goes on to acknowledge the work carried out to ensure that young people are supported from the moment they first move into the home to their transition to adulthood. Stating that: ‘The processes that are followed when children move into and out of the home are exceptionally thoughtful. Managers and staff work closely with children’s parents and with professionals who know children well to gain a thorough understanding of children’s needs before they move in. Planning for children’s moves to adult placements start many months before they leave. This ensures that children and their families experience positive and well-planned endings.’ 

In response to the positive outcome, Clare Curran, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: “I am thrilled to see this wonderful children’s home receive well-deserved recognition from Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’. 
 
“Ruth House provides crucial support not only for the children and young people in their care, but their families too, and it is uplifting to see that positive impact reflected in the comments from parents and carers. I am extremely proud of Ruth House and the professionals who work there for the remarkable outcomes they achieve for Surrey young people, and the steps they take to ensure that the child’s best interests are always promoted.” 

Ruth House is one of 12 Ofsted registered residential children’s homes owned and run by Surrey County Council as part of the Council’s commitment to ensure that there is a range of homes available in Surrey for children who need them, so that they can remain rooted in their community and close to family and friends. 

The Council is investing £18m of capital funding into additional in-house children’s homes in Surrey over the next four years. All new homes will be family sized homes, caring for between one and four children per home and specialised in caring for children with autism, children with disabilities and children with emotional and behavioural needs. All of this contributes towards the Council’s broader sufficiency work to ensure that children and young people receive the support and care they need to live healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives, in county where this is suitable for them. 

Notes to editors:  

• Ruth House provides care for up to 12 children with learning or neurodevelopmental disabilities. There are four apartments that are suitable for providing short- or long-term care.