Castle Gate rated 'Castle Great' again!

Castle Gate children's respite home in Newbury is celebrating once again after Ofsted awarded it an Outstanding rating across every single area, confirming for the second time that the service is delivering truly exceptional care for children with disabilities and their families.

Registered with West Berkshire Council, Castle Gate provides vital short breaks for children with physical and learning disabilities and can support up to six children overnight at any one time. Located within the grounds of The Castle School, the home offers a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where children can thrive.

The latest inspection, carried out in January 2026, found that Castle Gate continues to operate at the very highest standard, with inspectors praising the exceptional quality of children's experiences, robust safeguarding arrangements, and highly effective leadership and management.

Inspectors noted the home's deeply aspirational and child‑centred ethos, highlighting how staff consistently strive to enhance children's lives rather than simply meet their needs. Children receive highly personalised care that promotes dignity, independence, confidence, and communication, with support carefully tailored to each child's abilities, preferences, and pace of development.

Children flourish at Castle Gate. Inspectors observed strong progress in areas such as personal care, independence, and emotional well-being, with staff demonstrating a deep understanding of children's complex needs. Transition plans are carefully personalised, allowing children to build trust and confidence gradually, ensuring they feel safe, secure, and at home.

The report also celebrates the wide range of enriching experiences available to children. From sensory play and therapeutic activities within the home to community outings such as cinema trips, farm visits, karaoke sessions, and soft play, every opportunity is designed to broaden horizons, build skills, and create joy. Families say they treasure the photos and videos shared by staff, which help them feel connected to their children's experiences and achievements.

Safeguarding at Castle Gate was described as exemplary. Children are safe, settled, and relaxed, supported by staff who are exceptionally well trained in managing medical, behavioural, and communication needs. Incidents are rare and, when they do occur, are managed swiftly and transparently. The home environment is carefully balanced to promote safety while still encouraging independence, with systems such as video monitoring used sensitively and with parental consent.

Leadership and management were again highlighted as a key strength. The home is led by a highly experienced registered manager who fosters a positive, reflective, and ambitious culture. Staff receive excellent training, supervision, and support, enabling them to deliver consistently high-quality care. Strong partnerships with parents, schools, and other professionals further enhance outcomes for children.

Feedback from families and professionals was overwhelmingly positive. Parents describe the service as "fantastic" and say they feel completely reassured that their children are not only safe, but genuinely happy, understood, and thriving.

With its warm atmosphere, vibrant themed bedrooms, specialist facilities including a sensory room, and a team deeply committed to making a difference, Castle Gate continues to shine as a leading example of children's residential respite care.

Joanna Romanowska, Registered Manager at Castle Gate, said:

"I am incredibly proud that we have once again achieved Outstanding in all areas. This recognition reflects the passion, skill, and commitment of our whole team, and the strong relationships we build with children and families. We are always learning and striving to be better, and this inspection confirms that our children are receiving the very best care."

Councillor Heather Codling, Deputy Leader of West Berkshire Council and West Berkshire's Executive Member for Children and Family Services, said:

"Castle Gate's consistent Outstanding rating is richly deserved. The report highlights exceptional leadership, highly skilled staff, and a service that genuinely transforms lives. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding provision in West Berkshire, and I thank the team for their continued excellence."

Dora Gouveia‑Schofield, Responsible Individual for Castle Gate and Principal Social Worker for Children's Services at West Berkshire Council, added:

"Achieving Outstanding again is a tremendous achievement. The inspection recognises the dedication, warmth, and expertise of the Castle Gate team, and their unwavering focus on children's wellbeing and development. I am extremely proud of what they do every day for children and families."