Children's home run by True Care Northwest Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2722666 1 Registered provider: True care NW Limited

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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 company. It provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties and/or have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in April 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home. One child spoke with the inspector about their experiences of living in the home.

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Inspection date: 17 December 2024

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2722666 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

This inspection was carried out to address specific concerns received by Ofsted.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, two children have moved into the home and one child has moved out. Where possible, children have been supported to move into and out of the home in a planned way. One child spoke to the inspector about living in the home. They described it as ‘great’ and said that they feel safe and well cared for.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff provide children with clear boundaries and rules. Behaviour management in the home is effective. Staff take time to support children to manage and understand their feelings and behaviours. There has been no need for staff to hold children to keep them safe and there has been a reduction in one child going missing from home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand children’s individual risks and vulnerabilities well. Risk plans are clear and updated regularly. However, not all plans are written in ways that are helpful for children as language used to record some risks is stigmatising.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are safeguarded effectively. The team is supporting one child through a challenging time. During this period, staff ensure that the child remains at the centre of their practice. However, on one occasion, staff missed opportunities to reduce the risk of harm to a child. The manager acted swiftly to ensure that this did not happen again. However, the manager did not notify Ofsted about the incident as required by regulation. This reduces the regulator’s oversight of practice in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Not all children are in full-time education. However, the manager and staff are proactive in advocating for children to identify suitable alternative options. Staff work proactively and effectively with other agencies and professionals for the benefit of children.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is modern and comfortable. Children are helped to decorate their rooms to reflect their individual tastes. Swift action is taken to maintain the home to ensure that it is safe and homely.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff love working in the home and feel fully supported by their manager. One staff member said, ‘The manager is approachable, supportive and consistent.’ Experienced staff members help to support staff who have recently joined the team.

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Findings from the inspection

Team meetings take place regularly and provide staff with the opportunity to reflect on their practice. Staff are offered additional support from an external therapist. This helps them to manage children’s experiences and behaviours in their day-to-day practice for the benefit of the children. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2722666 3 The manager has good oversight of the home. He has effective monitoring systems in place, which helps to promote the safety and well-being of the children in the home. The manager has high expectations for himself, the children and the staff. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2722666 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/07/2024 Full Good 21/11/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2722666 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(e)) 18 February 2025

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff record information about individual children in a non-stigmatising way. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2722666 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 107 Ditchfield Road, Widnes WA8 8RF

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Inspector

Zillah Brooks, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2722666 7 to 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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