TWO council-run children’s homes in Shropshire have again been rated 'outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

Chelmaren and Berwyn Cottage were both rated outstanding in areas of ‘overall experiences and progress of children and young people’, ‘how well children and young people are helped and protected’, and ‘effectiveness of leaders and managers’.

Inspectors said both homes provided highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good.

"The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.”

The report said Chelmaren provided "exceptional stability" and offered a diverse range of activities to meet individual needs.

"Passionate, well-trained, and knowledgeable" staff at the home were also praised, while the manager was described as committed.

One carer told the inspector, “I have never come across such a supportive team of each other and of the children.”

The report for Berwyn Cottage said managers and staff give children who move out of the home an extremely high level of support.

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Children were treated with dignity and respect and positive behaviour was rewarded, while staff were committed to providing high-quality warm and nurturing care.

Areas for improvement included education of children around online safety, the implementation of a workforce development plan, and some minor refurbishment in one of the homes. Staff at both homes are already working to make these improvements.

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said it was an incredible achievement for the staff and is a credit to their hard work, commitment and dedication.