Children's homes receive praise

The council "carefully listens" to the views of children

Three children and young people's homes in Surrey have been judged as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

Surrey County Council said that only 40 homes across England, including the three in Guildford, Knaphill and Horley, were deemed to be outstanding.

The authority runs a total of nine children and young people's homes.

Councillor Dorothy Mitchell said the inspectors recognised the dedication of staff, who had "real passion" to ensure children were given the best.

The council's head of residential services, Lance Miles, said the authority "carefully listened" to the views of children and young people, ranging from the decor of the buildings to the recruitment of staff.

He said the homes supported the young people, particularly in the areas of education and health, so they could "realise their potential as members of the community".

The three homes - Libertas in Guildford, Woodlands in Knaphill and Highfield in Horley - cater for eight, five and six children respectively.