Outstanding – that’s the rating the Care Quality Commission has given Reach Out Care Support Network for its work with children and young people with complex needs.
The organisation, based in Burnhope, Newton Aycliffe, works alongside a range of local authorities in Co Durham and Teesside as well as offering support direct to families under the direct payments scheme.
“We have an amazing team of well trained support workers who can offer a range of services to children and young people including independent living skills training, confidence building activities,  home support and a sleep over service,” said director Dot Butler.
“There are only a few organisations nationwide to achieve ‘Outstanding’ under the tougher new inspection regime so we are delighted.  It was a detailed inspection which included interviews with service user families, local authority commissioners and staff. CQC looked at five categories – is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?  We were delighted to be rated awarded Outstanding in all areas.
“Over the years we have developed a training kitchen at our Hope House base where young people can learn how to cook and we also have a horticultural project where they can learn about nutrition. We work hard to offer a quality service and this has been recognised by CQC.” Reach Out Care Fostering Services, a sister company, has an Outstanding rating from Ofsted and also holds Investors in People Gold accreditation.
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, call the team on 01325 310009 (option 2). There are also support worker opportunities – call 01325 328965.