Calderdale Council’s children’s home which provides short breaks for children with special needs has achieved the top accolade from Ofsted in its latest inspection.
Linden Brook respite service has been rated ‘outstanding’ in all aspects of the way it cares for children aged four to 17 with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and complex health needs.
An inspector from Ofsted visited the home over two days in January 2026 and found that the home provided highly effective services that were making a real difference for children and young people and their families.
Care, support and a wide range of activities are delivered in a safe environment, giving young people the opportunity to develop, and parents and carers the chance to rest.
Ofsted praised the Linden Brook team for the ‘consistent, nurturing and highly individualised care’, which is demonstrated through ‘a thorough understanding of each child’.
The inspector found that staff use a wide range of skills to ensure that they have an understanding of the individual needs of each child.
The management of the service was described as ‘exceptional’ and when speaking to parents, the inspector found that staff go above and beyond in all aspects of the care they deliver. One parent commented ‘My daughter’s key worker has helped our family so much. I am not sure what would have happened if they had not supported us.’
There was also praise for the experiences enjoyed by the children. The team arrange a varied programme of activities, with recent outings including trips to the beach, an aquarium, a butterfly farm and many more places. The inspector noted how staff talk so fondly about the children and, likewise, how children have close attachments with their key workers.
The service was rated outstanding in all areas inspected by Ofsted – children and young people’s overall experiences and progress; how well children and young people are helped and protected; and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Adam Wilkinson, said:
“I’m delighted that Linden Brook has again been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted – congratulations to everyone who’s worked so hard for this rating. It’s deserved recognition of the excellent quality of care that Linden Brook staff provide every day for children and young people with complex needs and their families.
“We want every child to be able to achieve their best, and the inspection report makes particular mention of how the exemplary care and support provided by staff is helping children progress well and is enhancing their development and growth.
“We also know how valued this service is by families, and it’s wonderful to hear the glowing feedback collated by the inspector, showing that the team continue to go above and beyond to provide the highest quality short breaks provision for young people in their care.”