BASINGSTOKE’S MP has praised a residential home for children and young people with learning difficulties after it received its first Ofsted report.

Laurus House, which is run by Reading-based Calcot Service for Children, received a ‘good’ in its first report from the education and children’s services watchdog.

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, said: “I was pleased to see this new specialist residential home for children with learning disabilities established here in Basingstoke, and it is clear from their Ofsted report that it is providing young people with a stable and happy home.

Part of the Ofsted report read: “The staff have successfully created an environment where, through the highly individualised care, young people are happy, relaxed and begin to make progress.”

Mrs Miller added: “I would like to congratulate Natalie [Boothroyd, who manage Laurus House] and her team on their hard work in starting up this new residential home, and the recognition of this by Ofsted.”