Children's Home run by Care 4 Good Ltd in Sandwell

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2774759 1 Registered provider: Care 4 Good Limited

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned and provides care for up to three children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home was registered with Ofsted on 19 November 2024. The responsible individual resigned with immediate effect on 26 November 2024 and the manager left the following month.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

An existing member of the team has stepped up to manage the home. The new manager has not yet submitted their application to Ofsted. A new responsible individual joined the home in December 2024.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: not applicable

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

p.1

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: 2774759 2

p.1

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.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

One child is living in the home at the time of this inspection. This is the only child to join the home since it opened. The child lives in a home which is warm, welcoming and well maintained. Staff have developed positive, nurturing relationships with the child. The child’s social worker said, ‘This is the happiest I have seen them, I have seen a real change in them.’ The child is safe and well cared for.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child is currently not in education. To support learning, a home tutor attends for two hours each weekday. Staff set clear boundaries, such as the child does not have access to the internet during the school day. Staff provide an educational activity each afternoon. This routine enables the child to engage in constructive activities and maintain structure and routine in preparation for when they do return to education.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff help the child to pursue their interests, nurture their talents and also promote new opportunities for them. The child has a talent for repairing computers, and this is supported through the child having access to a dedicated area in the lounge to work on their projects, and staff giving lots of praise. The child is thriving as they feel valued and supported.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child’s written plans and risks assessments are reflective of the child’s individual needs and are kept under review. While the child is still very new in the home and the staff team is building their relationship with the child, detailed plans ensure that staff know how best to support the child, and a consistent approach is provided across the staff team.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

There have been no incidents of children going missing from home and only two occasions of physical restraint. The child’s social worker advised that physical restraint ‘has declined considerably’ since the child came to live at the home. There has been clear managerial oversight and timely reporting of restraints. Restraint has been used as a last resort and is proportionate.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The sudden departure of the home’s registered manager and responsible individual was unexpected. Leaders have ensured that their focus remained on the needs of the child and staff team to navigate the loss of the leadership team.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Both managers left due to personal circumstances. Members of the team were invited to share their views to the director. Staff were given the chance to be part of a consultation to support the home’s development. As a result, staff feel supported and valued. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2774759 3 One complaint has been made. This related to a staff practice issue. Senior leaders completed a detailed investigation and took appropriate action. Lessons learned from the complaint have been implemented to strengthen the service and improve the support to the staff team.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

A new responsible individual has been appointed. They visit the home on a daily basis to support the change in the management arrangements and ensure that the staff team is fully supported. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2774759 4

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 3 Hamilton Road, Smethwick B67 5QE

p.4

Inspector

Joanne Hawkins, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2774759 5 and inspects 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.

p.4

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.5

Inspector

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

p.5