Colombo Road children's home rated 'Outstanding' for eighth year
10th April 2026
Colombo Road children's home in Castletown is celebrating once again after being recognised as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted for the eighth year running.
The home has received a glowing report from its inspection back in February this year, with inspectors praising the 'highly nurturing environment', 'positive culture' and 'exceptional care'.
The inspectors said:
Staff provide exceptional care to the children, who have made excellent progress since moving into the home. Staff provide a highly nurturing environment and genuinely love and care for the children. Staff have high aspirations for the children.
"They have never given up on a child and have always managed to develop trusting relationships with children."
The Colombo Road home in Castletown is one of nine homes operated by Together for Children, the children's services partner of Sunderland City Council. Six young people aged between 11 and 17 live at the home.
In Ofsted's report, the home was praised for the culture of maintaining lifelong links with former residents who have moved on to live independently. During the inspection, four adults who lived in the home as children spoke to inspectors about their experience.
One, who left 15 years ago, visits every few months and describes it as 'home'. Another who left five years ago is now working for the local authority, after being inspired by their experiences.
I am delighted that Colombo Road has again been rated Outstanding by Ofsted. This report reflects the deep commitment, skill and compassion our team shows every day to support children and young people. Inspectors highlighted the strong relationships and exceptional progress made by children living in the home, which is testament to the dedication of our staff.
"We are incredibly proud of this achievement and remain fully committed to providing the highest standard of care and this recognition of our staff is well-deserved."
Colombo Rd Home manager, Michael More, said:
Receiving another Outstanding Ofsted rating is an incredible achievement and a real testament to the dedication of the whole team here at Colombo Road. We are immensely proud of the positive feedback in the report, particularly the recognition of the nurturing, stable environment we strive to create for our young people.
"This Outstanding report highlights the unwavering commitment of staff to ensuring every child is supported to thrive and reach their full potential."
