Staff and parents of children and teenagers at a residential home in Meldreth that was threatened with closure last year were pleased to learn the home had been given a glowing report by Ofsted.

In the report, the Aurora Meldreth Manor Children’s Home – whose residents are aged six to 19 and have severe and complex learning difficulties and other needs – was awarded a ‘good’ rating and was praised for having ‘a real sense of fun and joy’ and for helping youngsters make exceptional progress in their development.

Principal Debra Eason said she was delighted.

“I’m so proud of the team here at Meldreth, which is led by our service manager Emma Nelson and this report is well deserved,” she said.

“Our number one focus is to provide the highest quality care possible for the wonderful children we support and it’s great that has been recognised.”

According to education inspectorate Ofsted, a ‘good’ children’s home provides effective services that help, protect and care for children and young people and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

Meldreth Manor had previously been rated as ‘requiring improvement’ and the latest report highlighted major improvements since it was taken over by The Aurora Group in May this year.

One parent told inspectors that their child was ‘unrecognisable’ following their time there, saying that they are ‘doing things that they

never would be able to do at home’.

Another parent said their son had ‘come on in leaps and bounds at the home.

They said: “To see my son riding around the grounds on the bike specially made for him is amazing. We now have hope, for the first time.”

The report comes weeks after The Aurora Group announced that they were looking for 40 new staff to work at the home, the neighbouring Aurora Meldreth Manor School and Orchard Manor residential service, for adults aged 19 and upwards, on the same site.

For more information on the specialist provider go to www.the-aurora-group.com