Children's home run by Thrive Childcare Services Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2593928 1 Registered provider: Thrive Childcare Services 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 private provider is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children who have experienced early childhood trauma and have emotional and behavioural needs because of these experiences.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager registered with Ofsted at the same time as the home in August 2020. She holds a level 5 diploma in leadership and management.

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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: 2593928 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

26/03/2024 Full Good 09/11/2022 Full Good 03/06/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2593928 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

At the time of this inspection, one child was living at the home. Three children have moved out of the home and one child has moved in since the last inspection.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff warmly welcome children to the home, recognising this is a period of heightened anxiety for them. Staff thoughtfully prepare a personalised welcome pack that is tailored to the child’s needs. Additionally, children are encouraged to express their preferences for items in their room, helping to create a sense of ownership and belonging from the outset. One child was able to have a pet to help them settle into the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from trusting and strong relationships with staff who know them well. Children feel able to speak to staff when they are having difficulties. As a result, children are more likely to develop healthy coping strategies and recover from the difficulties they have experienced.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The registered manager is a good advocate for children. When decisions made by children’s placing authorities have not been in accordance with children’s views and wishes, she has supported them to challenge these decisions. As a result, one child was able to move to a placement close to their college and friends, avoiding an unnecessary move to a location far from where they were used to.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children to engage in charitable initiatives and community groups. This helps them develop a sense of empathy and social responsibility. One child was supported by staff to collect and sort food items for a foodbank donation and attends cadets. This has helped the child gain a deeper understanding of community values.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children’s health and emotional needs well. The registered manager has raised concerns that one child’s progress will be hindered because of external delays in a health assessment and, as a result, she has sought a private assessment. Staff ensure that children attend all routine medical appointments. The organisation also has access to a counsellor who delivers direct work to children. These proactive measures contribute to children’s emotional and mental well-being.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are cared for by a consistent staff team. Children have clear routines and boundaries in place, and these are consistently implemented by staff. One professional told the inspector, ‘It’s the best care home I have worked with.’

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

Incidents of children being missing from home have been rare. When they have occurred, staff closely follow children’s missing-from-care plan. They make attempts to locate children and search possible locations of where they may be. The manager Inspection report for children’s home: 2593928 4 ensures that on their return, they can speak with an independent person. This cohesive approach helps keep children safe.

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

There are robust procedures in place for managing allegations. When these have occurred, concerns are taken seriously, and the manager takes swift action. Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and follow procedures. This approach ensures that children’s welfare remains the highest priority and that allegations are managed effectively.

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

Restraints have been used as a last resort and are always appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk that is displayed. When there are indicators that children and staff are at increased risk, the manager is proactive in taking steps to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all. This has, at times, meant that additional staffing has been put in place.

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

The manager ensures that there are clear plans to manage incidents of self-harm. Staff consistently follow these plans, which are regularly reviewed and updated in response to children’s needs. Following any incidents, staff provide sensitive follow- up work, which includes providing the opportunity for children to talk and reflect. Children also have mental health support external to the home, which further helps them develop healthier coping strategies. This robust and consistent approach improves children’s emotional well-being.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is an experienced and strong leader who sets high standards for the care provided to children by leading by example. She is a positive role model for her team and children alike. When there is need for challenge, she makes this as necessary. Her leadership encourages a positive and supportive culture, and as a result, staff feel confident and valued in their roles.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders ensure that staff receive regular supervision. Staff find this valuable, and there is a strong emphasis on learning and professional growth. This ensures that staff remain knowledgeable and equipped to meet the complex needs of children in their care. New staff receive a thorough induction to their role, which encompasses training and time spent getting to know children before they take on responsibilities for their care. Staff are consistently positive about the support they receive from leaders. As a result, the team remains motivated and committed to the children it cares for.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Regular team meetings take place and provide a structured forum for staff to discuss key aspects of the home and children’s progress. This helps to ensure that children benefit from consistent and well-planned care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has good monitoring systems in place. She is supported by a responsible individual who also knows the home well. However, the manager has not consistently identified opportunities for learning following incidents of restraint. Inspection report for children’s home: 2593928 5 Additionally, while consequences are used to support children’s behaviour, there has been limited evaluation around their effectiveness. This is a missed opportunity to improve the quality of care provided. Inspection report for children’s home: 2593928 6

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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

within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes—

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Requirement Due date

the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure. (Regulation 35 (3)(a)(vii)) 17 March 2025

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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: 2593928 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Thrive Childcare Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 225 5300 Lakeside, Cheadle SK8 3PG

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Inspector

Chrisoula Contoyianni, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2593928 8 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 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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