A RESIDENTIAL care home for children with autism has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors.

Wallingford, in Grangetown, Sunderland, which is run by the North East Autism Society, was given top marks in all areas following a recent visit by inspectors.

The report said the home “consistently exceeded the standards of good” and contributed to “significantly improved outcomes” for the children and young people.

It’s the first report of its kind for the charity, which has 13 adult residential homes, five children’s homes and two short break services.

Up until now they have consistently been assessed as ‘good services’ by both the CQC and Ofsted.

The inspection, on December 13, reviewed the overall experiences and progress of children living in the home, how well the young people are helped and protected and the impact and effectiveness of leaders and managers.

John Phillipson, chief executive, of the North East Autism Society (NEAS) said: “I’m really proud of the work that NEAS does across the board but there are those occasions when I just have to acknowledge that we do at times do something so exceptional that even the experts take notice.

“This is the first of our homes to be judged as outstanding by Ofsted, of which I am particularly proud, but if you visited you would see why immediately.”