Glowing report for outstanding children's home

2nd April 2026

A Sunderland children's home has been recognised as outstanding by Ofsted. 

Grasswell House Children's Home has been judged to be outstanding for the overall experiences and progress of children and young people and for leadership and management. This follows an inspection in February this year. 

Home to six children, Grasswell House is one of nine children's homes operated by Together for Children, the children's services partner of Sunderland City Council.

In their glowing report, Ofsted inspectors said: 'Children gain lifelong connections living in the home. They have positive relationships with staff that have provided children with a place that they call their home'.

Inspectors talked about children at the home 'making significant progress' and how they 'spend time doing things they enjoy'.

They also reported that:

One child said that for first time they felt like they live a 'normal childhood' living in this home. Children succeed because of the trust that they have in staff and their secure positive relationships'.

Simon Marshall, Sunderland City Council's Director of Children's Services and Chief Executive of Together for Children, said:

It's fantastic to see Grasswell House being recognised as outstanding for Our children's homes provide a safe, caring and positive environment for the young people who live there, helping them to flourish and thrive before eventually moving on and into homes of their own.  The report highlights how staff at the home go out of their way to make sure the children have the knowledge and skills to succeed in the next chapter of their life as well as celebrating the children and assuring them that they will always be part of the home.

"Inspectors also noted how children keep in touch with staff, asking for help with daily tasks, and visit the home once they have moved on, just like any child would contact their family.

"One child who has left the home even said they would move back in tomorrow if they could, which is really heart-warming and a testament to the dedication of the team there.

"It is down to their passion and commitment that the young people know they have a secure, comfortable and loving home and the support that they need to build lives of their own when the time comes.

"I'd like to thank them for all their fantastic hard work. They are truly deserving of this fabulous recognition from Ofsted."

The report also notes how the Registered Manager is an inspirational leader who provides children with positive experiences through safe and trusted relationships with adults, while the home environment is like a family home, with children able to choose how they decorate their bedrooms, and their personalities shining through the decor.