THE number of children’s homes in the district that have been rated outstanding or good has risen in the past three years.

At their last inspections, 70 per cent of the district’s children’s homes were rated good, and 20 per cent rated outstanding, according to a report by Jim Hopkinson, deputy director of Children’s Social Care at Bradford Council.

It says the council currently operates 10 homes, with children due to move into another, Hollybank Road, Great Horton, by the end of the month.

The homes provide emergency accommodation for young people, short, medium and long term residential care and specialist provisions offering short break respite care for young people with complex health and disabilities.

Of the homes, Wedgewood, a 10-bed unit in Holmewood which provides respite care, was rated outstanding earlier this academic year, and Meadowlea in Menston was also given the top judgement in its last inspection.

All the other homes were given a good rating except Newholme in Idle, which was rated “requires improvement.”

Another home, on First Avenue, Bradford Moor, recently closed, with the Council deciding to move the provision to Hollybank Road, also used by Catholic Care, which is described as having better facilities.

The report shows that the number of “outstanding” homes has increased, for the previous two years only Meadowlea had achieved the top rating. And last year two homes were judged to require improvement, First Avenue and Owlthorpe in Shipley, now rated good.

The report adds: “The overall picture in the main is positive.”

It also calls for more councillors to take part in independent visits to homes to get a better idea of services offered and what more needs to be done. The report shows there have been just nine visits to children’s homes by the 10 members of the Corporate Parenting Panel since April. After receiving the report, the panel has resolved to “make every effort” to take part in future monitoring visits.

Mr Hopkinson said: “We are confident that at the next inspection all of our homes will be rated as good or better.

“The council takes great pride in the quality of the care we provide as corporate parents. It is important that all children and young people in Bradford are given the best possible support and opportunities irrespective of the challenges they may face”