Children's home run by Positive Independence Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2794802 1 Registered provider: Positive Independence Ltd

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private provider. It is registered to care for up to two children who may require support with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager was registered with Ofsted in August 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living at the home. Both children were seen and spoken to as part of the inspection.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2794802 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff and manager help new children move into the home in a considered manner. Staff understand the impact on children of arriving at a new home. The manager ensures that children get to have introductory visits before moving in. This helps children to become familiar with their new home and reduces any worries or anxieties they may have.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children are cared for in a warm and nurturing home environment. Children’s bedrooms are personalised to reflect their tastes and interests and help children to develop a sense of belonging. One child spoke with delight about new decoration and furnishings that were of their favourite film and characters.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have a healthy and varied diet. They are encouraged to try new foods. One professional said, ‘The positive change in diet [for child] has resulted in a significant improvement in their physical health and appearance.’ Staff quickly get to know the children’s likes and dislikes, including their favourite foods, choice of clothing and activities that they enjoy.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff recognise children’s progress and the significance of small milestones as well as bigger achievements. For example, one child recently visited a film studio where their favourite film was made. This was achieved by the child after making some very good progress with their behaviour. This helps to promote positive behaviour and has supported one child to settle into their new home well.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s views are a priority for the manager and staff. Weekly meetings between the children and staff, together with regular key-work discussions, help staff to know how children are feeling. One child has been reluctant to share their views but was able to communicate through text messaging. Staff have used this method to communicate with the child, demonstrating that they respect the child’s preferred method of communication.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to attend full-time education. The arrangements for one child have unexpectedly changed, resulting in a long journey to school each day. Staff recognise that this will have a significant impact on the child’s overall well-being. The manager is seeking independent advocacy for the child in relation to the decisions being made by the placing local authority.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children receive the help and support they need to manage their behaviour and feelings safely. One child was struggling to express their emotions and so staff purchased emotion cards and a range of social stories to support this area of need. The child has since been able to positively show their emotions and receive comfort from staff. Inspection report for children’s home: 2794802 3 Sanctions are rarely used. Where sanctions have been required, the consequences are proportionate and appropriate to the circumstances.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children are supported by staff to take risks that are appropriate to their age and level of understanding. One child enjoys playing games online, and the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure that this is monitored. Another child enjoys spending time with their friends. Staff support this and ensure that boundaries are in place to keep the child safe when they are out. Staff have been creative in finding solutions to challenges, and for children to make the most of opportunities and enjoy time with friends.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The risk of criminal exploitation has significantly decreased for one child. Staff understand the risks posed and have worked hard to build protective factors in the child’s life. Excellent partnership working with safeguarding professionals has contributed to this progress. Feedback from professionals is unanimously positive.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff follow safeguarding procedures when children go missing from the home. When children return home, staff are professionally curious as to where children have been, and they show empathy and understanding. This helps staff, managers and external professionals understand the reasons why children go missing, and strengthens trust between children and staff. As a result of this nurturing approach, incidents of children going missing from home are reducing.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager sets high standards for staff. He is an aspirational leader and is motivated to create an environment where staff are happy and children flourish. The manager provides staff with direction and regular professional supervision. This has enabled them to create a safe and happy place for children to live.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager provides good and diligent oversight, with established quality assurance processes in place. The manager makes sure that any identified actions are followed up without delay. The manager considers feedback from others and uses this to constantly improve children’s welfare.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

New staff are provided with a comprehensive induction. Staff are supported to undertake a varied programme of training and development. The manager is exploring child-specific training to support further development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings are used effectively to improve staff’s knowledge and skills. They are held regularly and are well attended by staff. An opportunity for reflective practice is embraced, with everyone taking responsibility for improving children’s care and experiences. Each meeting focuses on children’s welfare and captures examples of good practice to celebrate.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff work in partnership with children’s network of family and professionals. They communicate effectively with all the relevant people. They challenge delay for children, and act as powerful advocates for those in their care. Inspection report for children’s home: 2794802 4

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. Inspection report for children’s home: 2794802 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Positive Independence Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Positive Independence Ltd, Northgate Business Centre, 38 North Gate, Newark NG24 1EZ

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Inspector

Kayleigh Spinks, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2794802 6 achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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