A CONTROVERSIAL children's home which was the target of fierce opposition when it first opened has been named as 'outstanding' in its latest Ofsted report.

Red Plains in leafy Hartburn, Stockton, which houses five vulnerable youngsters, was subject to opposition from a local campaign group whose members did not like the thought of troubled youngsters in their midst, fearing increases in anti-social behaviour, when it first opened.

The home, run by Scottish company Spark of Genius in partnership with Stockton Borough Council, was initially graded by Ofsted as 'requires improvement' but later turned that around to 'good'. And Spark of Genius managing director Zak McIlhargey said staff were celebrating after its more recent rating of outstanding.

He thanked the 'wider community' who he said "didn't prejudge our children and have made us extremely welcome. We are very grateful for that". He said placing vulnerable youngsters in homes in more affluent areas meant they had a better chance of settling down and doing well: "We did point out to everyone that it takes time and investment to establish a strong staff team but they have been fantastic throughout.

"Once the pressure has been taken off, and we have had some time to establish, we are making it a success."

He said the initial Ofsted grading had been used by campaigners to try to show the house should not have been allowed in the Hartburn area but instead placed elsewhere in Stockton.

Those opposed to the home had initially complained about anti social behaviour, high numbers of police call outs, and rubbish being thrown over the fences as well as bad language.

But Mr McIlhargey said: "The judgement from Ofsted proves that our model works – providing children with lovely houses in their local area and a staff team who care, lends itself to positive results and good outcomes. Our children are thriving and they are reaping the benefits. They thoroughly enjoy living in Red Plains and in the Hartburn area. We've had great support from our partners at Stockton Borough Council but it's just great to know that we have been accepted and welcomed by the wider community in general."

Spark of Genius also has children's homes in Thorpe Thewles and Stillington.