Children's home run by Nottingham City Council in Nottingham

Inspection report for children’s home: SC424348 1 SC424348 Registered provider: Nottingham City Council 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 local authority. It provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in December 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living at the home.

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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

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC424348 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

19/03/2024 Full Good 12/09/2022 Full Good 11/05/2021 Full Good 10/09/2019 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home: SC424348 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

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: good

The home is well presented throughout and has a warm and inviting atmosphere. One child has requested some changes to the decor and furnishings, expressing a desire for the lounge to feel more homely. These changes are being implemented, with the child actively involved in selecting new sofas, and photos for the walls. The children have spacious, well-furnished bedrooms that are personalised to their tastes.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported with their religious and cultural beliefs. One child, who initially spoke little English, has made significant progress and is now able to communicate fluently. Staff ensure that important documents are translated and provide interpreters when necessary. The children’s religious practices are celebrated in the home, and the home’s diverse staff team further strengthens this sense of belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are making good progress in their education. One child, who was not engaged in any education when they first arrived, has shown considerable improvement. They now follow an individualised timetable that includes academic subjects and therapeutic provision. Staff have played a key role in helping the child to establish purpose and routine in their day, which has had a positive impact on their overall well-being.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Transitions for children are carefully planned and effective. One child has successfully moved on to semi-independent living. This process was supported by strong planning and clear communication between professionals. This smooth transition has allowed the child to maintain positive relationships with staff, which has helped other children in the home to see that transitions can be positive and successful.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported in maintaining relationships with their families. For one child, this has been more challenging due to their family living in another country. However, staff have helped the child to build connections with others who share similar experiences and cultural backgrounds. Another child has recently reconnected with family members they had not seen in a long time. Staff have warmly welcomed the family into the home and are working alongside professionals to further support and strengthen these family connections.

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

Children are supported in managing and reducing risks. Detailed risk assessments and care plans ensure that staff are well equipped to respond effectively to any risks. When one child has been missing from home, staff have acted quickly and played a key role in their safe return. The manager has maintained strong oversight of these missing-from- home episodes, helping to better understand the underlying issues in the child’s life. Inspection report for children’s home: SC424348 4 Staff are aware of the significant risks associated with one child occasionally smoking in their bedroom. While there have been some challenges in addressing this risk due to cultural differences, staff continue to prioritise educating the child about the associated dangers. They have sought external guidance from the fire service and ensure that every risk assessment reflects the ongoing concern.

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

One child is working towards semi-independent living. Staff are helping and guiding the child to make informed choices. This has included increasing the child’s free time and supporting them in travelling further to connect with important people in their life. The child is now self-administering medication as needed. Direct work has taken place, and risk assessments have been carried out to ensure that the child can manage this responsibility safely. This process has empowered the child, helping them to maintain their dignity and gain more autonomy.

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

Incentives are prioritised over consequences to encourage positive behaviour. When consequences have been necessary, they have been proportionate and directly related to the child’s behaviour. For one child, consequences have been linked to the dangers of their smoking. For another child, they have been a necessary response to ensure their safety and well-being. The children are valued and appreciated, with staff dedicated to supporting them in achieving success and doing well.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The new manager brings a wealth of experience to her role. She is supported by a strong deputy manager, ensuring a smooth transition following the departure of the previous manager. The staff team is very stable, with many members having worked in the home for several years. This stability has provided consistency and continuity for the children, creating a home with a genuine, family-like atmosphere. Staff look forward to going to work and spending time with the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is beginning to implement her own vision and ideas for the home. She is motivated and determined to ensure that children receive a high standard of care. She is ambitious for her team of staff and encourages them to pursue specialised training. The manager is hopeful that every staff member will achieve a qualification in dyadic developmental psychotherapy at level 1. For those who already hold this qualification, their deepened knowledge is evident and helps them better understand the experiences of the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff supervision is regular and effective, ensuring that staff feel valued and supported by their leaders and managers. Staff are encouraged to share ideas and use supervision sessions and team meetings to reflect on their practice and explore ways to improve. Children are at the heart of all discussions, and everyone is working together towards shared, positive outcomes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Feedback from external professionals is consistently positive, with the main theme being the excellent communication and planning for children. Professionals recognise the Inspection report for children’s home: SC424348 5 progress children are making and attribute this success to the proactive approach of the staff team. Inspection report for children’s home: SC424348 6

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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: SC424348 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG2 3NG

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Inspector

Kayleigh Spinks, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC424348 8 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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