Children's home run by Core Children Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2700000 1 Registered provider: Core Children Ltd 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 private company. It is registered to provide care for up to three children who have had adverse childhood experiences.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this visit, three children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since April 2024 and holds a leadership and management qualification at level 5.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2700000 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

07/06/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2700000 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

At the time of this inspection, three children were living at the home. Two children spoke with the inspector and shared their very positive experiences of living at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Since the last inspection, two children have successfully moved into the home. Before their arrival, children are given the opportunity to visit the home and meet staff who will be caring for them, as well as the children they will be living alongside. When children move in, they are welcomed with thoughtful gifts that include essential toiletries, sensory toys and stationery. Excellent support and careful planning help children to feel welcomed and to settle into their new home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children benefit from living in a local community that has a strong sense of support and acceptance. Children and staff have developed excellent relationships with neighbours. The relationships between children, staff and local residents contribute to a vibrant, thriving community where everyone plays a role in each other’s well-being. As a result of being part of this, children have developed a sense of social responsibility and an understanding about how important it is to look out for and help one another.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff’s approach to children’s care is inclusive, accepting and supportive. Children benefit from this approach, and their identities are respected and recognised. Children’s individuality is embraced and celebrated, and the progress that they make is highlighted and encouraged. As a result, children thrive in their personal and social development.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children access medical services as required. When needed, staff make prompt referrals to child and adolescent mental health services and other specialist services. They also advocate for children to mitigate against unnecessary delays in children receiving the help they need. Children learn the significance of attending routine health checks and how medication prescribed to them helps to manage their diagnosed conditions. As a result of excellent support, children are in good physical and emotional health.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Barriers to children’s learning are well understood by staff. Children receive a coordinated approach to help them learn. For example, the registered manager ensures that children have their individual needs assessed by relevant professionals and that they receive tailored support. Collaboration between staff and educational professionals is commendable and ultimately leads to significantly improved outcomes for children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children learn good independence skills in line with their age and stage of development. This equips children with essential life skills but also prepares them for the transition to adulthood. Children benefit from an array of activities in the home and in the community. They pursue individual interests, which promotes their social skills and personal growth. Inspection report for children’s home: 2700000 4 Staff play a vital role in helping children maintain connections with significant people in their lives. They adhere to local authority plans and help children keep in touch with their families.

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

Staff create a nurturing environment where children feel secure and valued, providing them with a sense of safety that is paramount for their development.

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

The reduction in incidents of self-harm is a testament to the effective support systems in place, where children trust the adults who care for them. All staff are trained in first aid and managing self-injurious behaviours with care and sensitivity.

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

On the rare occasions when children go missing from home, the registered manager and staff respond promptly and with due diligence. Information is shared with relevant professionals, who work well together with staff to locate and return the child home. When children do return home, they receive a warm welcome and lots of reassurance. Children can speak with someone independent of the home about why they went missing from home and what happened while they were away. There is strong oversight from the registered manager, who ensures that any new information gathered is used to reduce the risk of the child going missing again.

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

Children are encouraged to take age-appropriate risks in line with their age and stage of development. For example, children spend time in the community with friends and have learned to use the internet safely. Staff educate children about the dangers of vaping, drinking alcohol and misusing substances. This approach helps children to make safer choices and reduces risks.

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

Peer dynamics are managed effectively, with staff assisting children to understand one another and resolve conflicts amicably. Positive behaviours are consistently promoted through praise, rewards and incentive systems, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and growth. When necessary, physical intervention is used to keep children safe. There is good oversight of all incidents by the registered manager and responsible individual.

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

Safer recruitment systems are firmly established, ensuring that all staff members are vetted thoroughly. This reduces the risk of children being cared for by unsuitable staff.

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

When concerns are raised by children or others, information is shared with relevant people. Necessary actions are taken to address these concerns, which helps to promote children’s welfare and safety.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is highly effective and supports children to reach their fullest potential. A stable staff team provides children with consistent care. This enables Inspection report for children’s home: 2700000 5 children to benefit from a secure, nurturing and supportive environment. The registered manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that each child’s unique needs are thoughtfully considered before they move into the home. By speaking with people who are familiar with the child, she gains valuable insight into their past experiences, which is used to tailor individual care to each child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The professionally curious registered manager drives continuous improvement, ensuring that the highest standards of care for children are maintained. Collaboration with professionals is seamless, creating a network of support that benefits children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Excellent monitoring and oversight mean that any areas for improvement are identified and acted on quickly. The registered manager has a good grasp of the home’s strengths and areas for development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There is a clear, child-centred vision for the home. The registered manager has cultivated a family atmosphere that promotes growth and belonging for every child. There is a culture of reflection where research is actively integrated into practice to enhance the quality of care provided. The registered manager and staff are well versed in implementing effective parenting theories, including the house model of good parenting, that further enrich the care provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff members enjoy effective supervision, which considers the practical application of training that enhances their skills and confidence. This supervision ensures that they are well equipped to meet the diverse needs of the children in their care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Records are meticulously maintained, capturing the unique journeys of each child. Children’s achievements are consistently recognised and celebrated, creating an environment where every child thrives. Inspection report for children’s home: 2700000 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: 2700000 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Glades, Festival Way, Festival Park, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST1 5SQ

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Inspector

Helen Dunn, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2700000 8 regulates 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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