Children's home run by After Care (NW) Limited in Sefton

Inspection report for children’s home: SC037181 1 SC037181 Registered provider: After 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 privately owned and 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 July 2014.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living in the home. Both children were present during the inspection. One child spoke to the inspector about their experience of living in 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: SC037181 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

06/03/2024 Full Good 14/03/2023 Full Good 05/01/2022 Full Good 26/02/2020 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home: SC037181 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children live in a welcoming and nurturing home environment. However, some areas of the home, such as the bathroom and kitchen flooring, show signs of wear. Maintenance requests have been made to ensure that children live in a safe and comfortable home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children develop positive and trusting relationships with staff. One child said, ‘The staff so listen and provide support.’ Another child has recently moved into the home and is building strong and supportive relationships with staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff engage children in meaningful conversations about important topics. Staff demonstrate curiosity about children’s lives and help them develop essential skills and understanding. Management oversight of records of conversations is effective.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children receive effective support to maintain good physical health. Staff ensure that children attend all necessary health appointments and advocate for any additional support required. Children are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and education on topics such as self-care and substance misuse. As a result, children develop positive habits that promote their well- being.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff prioritise children’s mental health and emotional well-being. Staff create a nurturing environment for children, where they feel comfortable to be able to discuss their feelings. Access to specialist mental health services is facilitated when needed.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s education is consistently promoted. Staff provide support to help children engage in learning and achieve their potential. Staff maintain strong relationships with schools and education providers, advocating on behalf of children to address any barriers to learning. Staff provide structured routines, encourage good attendance and support children with their homework. This is supporting children to gain confidence in their abilities.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s plans for semi-independence are progressing well, equipping them with the necessary skills for adulthood. Moves out of the home are carefully planned and managed, ensuring that children have a positive experience as they move on.

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

Staff demonstrate confidence in following safeguarding protocols and work in partnership with external agencies when concerns arise. Risk assessments are thorough, regularly reviewed and tailored to each child’s individual needs. Inspection report for children’s home: SC037181 4 Leaders and managers have a detailed understanding of the risks that children may face in the local area. There has been a serious incident in the local community. Staff took immediate action to ensure that the children were appropriately safeguarded.

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

Staff use clear boundaries, praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour. This approach helps children to develop emotional regulation skills. When challenges arise, staff respond with patience and understanding, using effective de-escalation and restorative approaches. Children can reflect on their actions and learn from them.

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

Staff rarely need to physically hold children to keep them safe. Staff understand that this kind of physical restraint should only be used as a last resort. This approach helps to protect children’s positive relationships with staff, even during difficult situations.

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

Staff receive regular, high-quality training that ensures that they are equipped to recognise signs of harm and respond appropriately. Allegations against staff are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Children are kept informed throughout the process. There have been no formal complaints since the last inspection.

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

Before adults come to work in the home, thorough background checks are completed to make sure that children are only cared for by safe adults.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is experienced and knowledgeable and provides strong leadership. Her oversight ensures that the home is well run and child-centred. She has a clear vision for the home and is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers use effective processes to monitor all aspects of care. Through the stringent monitoring systems she has put in place, the manager has identified areas for the home’s development. This proactive approach ensures that children receive consistent, nurturing care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive support from leaders and managers. The manager leads by example, developing a positive culture where staff are valued. Team meetings take place regularly, enabling effective communication about children’s needs. There is a strong team spirit among staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers have robust oversight of staff practice. Staff receive high-quality supervision that provides them with reflective space to discuss their practice, receive guidance and develop their skills. Appraisals are thorough and focus on professional development. However, the manager does not seek feedback from children and external professionals to inform this assessment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers build effective relationships with people who are important to children. One parent said, ‘It is a really difficult time for us, but she [the manager] has Inspection report for children’s home: SC037181 5 been great.’ Social workers value the regular communication with staff about children’s experiences and progress. Inspection report for children’s home: SC037181 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should make sure that formal appraisal of staff performance takes into account, where reasonable and practical, the views of other professionals who have worked with the staff member over the year and of children in the home’s care. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.5)

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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: SC037181 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: After Care (NW) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: After Care (North West) Ltd, 45 Kensington Road, Southport PR9 0RT

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Timothy Blundell

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Inspector

Nicola Shaw, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC037181 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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