THE relationship between a controversial children’s home and its neighbours “needs to be addressed”, Government inspectors have said.

However there was good news for the children’s home in Hartburn, Stockton, as Ofsted inspectors gave the home, which opened about 18 months ago, a ‘good,’ rating – an improvement from a previous ‘requires improvement’ grade.

Another new children’s home, run by the Spark of Genius organisation, at Thorpe Thewles, has also been given a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

Stockton Borough Council’s plan to bring up to 20 ‘looked after’ children and young people back to the area proved controversial, especially when houses were chosen in Hartburn, Stillington and Thorpe Thewles.

The Hartburn home on Darlington Road appears to have had the most difficult relationship with neighbours which has led Spark of Genius to write to people in an attempt to improve the situation.

Hartburn ward councillor, Lynn Hall, has requested a new meeting between director of children, education and social care at the council, Jane Humpreys, and residents.

The ongoing issue was picked up by Ofsted inspectors who in a generally favourable report nonetheless said the ‘impact and effectiveness of leaders and managers,’ still ‘required improvement,’ and highlighted relations with neighbours as a problem.

The report said: “Advice was given that senior management within the organisation need to address the situation with neighbours and allow the manager to fulfil her role within the home.”

Cllr Hall, who is in touch with many of the neighbours, stressed that everyone was pleased that the rating had been improved and the safeguarding of children was the most important issue.

Zak McIlhargey, managing director at Spark of Genius, argued there had effectively been a campaign by Hartburn residents who had contacted police, councillors, the press and television.

He said: “We don’t want a ‘good,’ report but we want outstanding. Good is the minimum for us. There’s little been wrong but it is peace and tranquility that the neighbours are talking about.

“Of course any family with noisy children could have moved into that home.”