A CHILDREN’S home has received the highest possible score in an Ofsted report.

Inspectors praised Bright Star in Worthing for helping children and young people make “exceptional progress”.

The home received an overall rating of "outstanding".

Bright Star, in The Boulevard, reopened last year having been completely rebuilt with modern new facilities.

The report said since the last inspection in 2017, the home has been “transformed”.

“The home and gardens have been completely refurbished to a very high standard,” it said.

“Staff passionately believe that all children have a right to communicate. This includes helping them to find the best way to express their wishes and feelings.

“Children are at the heart of how the service is delivered. The staff routinely give children choices about what they would like to do.”

An outstanding rating was given to three other West Sussex County Council-run children’s homes last year.

Bright Star’s rating means four out of five recently inspected council-run children’s homes all carry the highest rating.

The fifth, Breakwater in Shoreham, has recently been inspected and is awaiting its result.

Council children’s residential service lead Julian Skeates said: “To now have four out of five of our children’s homes rated outstanding is totally unprecedented for the county.

“I am so proud of Bright Star’s manager Sharlene and her wonderful staffing team for their absolute commitment to the children they care for, which shines through in the glowing report.

“This is further evidence of the exceptional love and care given to children and young people in all of our homes.”

Bright Star provides care and support for children with complex needs. Some children live in the home on a permanent basis, while others go for short breaks, enabling them to be close to their families.

Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Congratulations to Bright Star staff for achieving the highest standards of care.

“As part of our improvement journey for children’s services, the council is investing heavily to rebuild and refurbish all of our children’s residential homes and I am delighted this commitment is reaping rewards for children and families who we support.”