We are delighted that a children’s home run by West Sussex County Council has been praised for its outstanding work and the progress its young people are making.
Breakwater, in Shoreham, has been given an overall rating of ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted following a two-day inspection in October 2024.
The residential children’s home supports up to six children aged 12 to 18 who have social, emotional and mental health needs.
In the newly published report, inspectors found that the staff at Breakwater are passionate, devoted and support children to do well, while the children themselves feel safe living within the home, having full trust in the team that looks after them.
The report says: “Staff have consistently shown over a long period of time that even in very difficult circumstances they never give up on children. The progress children make considering their starting points, is remarkable.”
The report rated Breakwater ‘outstanding’ in the following areas:
• How well children and young people are helped and protected
• The effectiveness of leaders and managers
• Overall experiences and progress of children and young people
Cllr Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills, said: “We’re working hard to ensure that every child in West Sussex has the opportunity to fulfil their potential while keeping them safe from vulnerable situations.
“I’m delighted that Ofsted has recognised Breakwater as an outstanding home. It is clear that the actions of the children's home have directly contributed to the positive experiences for children and young people who need our help, protection and care.
“I am very proud of the hardworking staff at Breakwater and all our children’s homes throughout the county who are consistently responsive and considerate in supporting children with all of their individual needs.
“It is a reflection of the dedication and passion shown by our staff, as well as the ongoing improvements we are making for children and young people we support.”
The report states that Breakwater provides a ‘safe space where children feel a true sense of belonging’ which can be seen as one of the key reasons why no requirements or recommendations were made during this inspection.
You can read the full report on Breakwater on the Ofsted website.
To find out about the County Council's children's homes and the current vacancies, which include residential childcare workers, visit our Careers in Children’s Residential Care webpage.