Children's home run by Blossom Care Group Ltd

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2745326 1 Registered provider: Blossom Care Group Ltd

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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 operated by a private company. It is registered to provide care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, two children were living in the home. Both spoke with the inspector during the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has applied to be registered with Ofsted. The manager has a level 5 qualification in leadership and management.

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Inspection date: 18 February 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 18 February 2025

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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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: 2745326 2

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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.

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Findings from the inspection

One child has moved into the home since the last inspection. This move was managed sensitively, and the child was made to feel welcome. This has supported them to settle and build relationships with staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, two children have left the home. For one of these children, the managers identified that they could not keep the child safe. As a result, the child experienced an unplanned move. Managers have undertaken some reflection work and identified a need for further training for staff to prevent this happening again in the future.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have since received additional training in key areas such as behaviour management and the home’s therapeutic model. This has helped staff to better understand the underlying cause for behaviours and to respond appropriately.

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Findings from the inspection

Incidents are managed well overall, and reports written by staff are detailed. When physical intervention is required, this has been used as a last resort to ensure children’s safety. The manager has oversight of all incidents and opportunities are provided to staff and children to reflect and learn from incidents.

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Findings from the inspection

Children speak positively about staff. They said staff communicate well with them, and they feel safe and well cared for. One child said, ‘It’s nice here, it’s fun.’

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand children’s risks and vulnerabilities and they talk to children about them. For example, staff have spoken to children about their mental health worries and have provided children with supportive resources. This creates an environment where children feel able to talk to staff about any worries they might have.

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Findings from the inspection

One child is accessing online education and is supported by staff to complete their lessons. The other child who recently moved into the home is not in education. However, managers have taken steps to escalate this appropriately with education professionals.

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Findings from the inspection

There has been a change in manager since the last inspection. The manager is child centred and has high expectations of staff. There have been improvements in the management oversight of the home and systems are now effective. This helps managers to review the quality of care in the home and make positive changes when needed.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers and staff are clear in their understanding of safeguarding procedures. Managers hold regular upskilling sessions with staff, exploring what to do when Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2745326 3 faced with different safeguarding scenarios. This helps to develop staff confidence and assures the managers of staff’s competence.

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Findings from the inspection

When people in the community and children have raised concerns about the home and staff, these have been taken seriously. Managers share information and work closely with other professionals, including reporting significant incidents to Ofsted. These concerns are thoroughly investigated. This promotes children’s safety and welfare.

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Findings from the inspection

A significant incident occurred in the home a few weeks before the last full inspection. What has happened since was reviewed as part of this inspection. Appropriate action has been taken by managers.

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Findings from the inspection

The requirements and recommendation made at the last inspection have been met.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/07/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2745326 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Blossom Care Group Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Office 19, Anglesey Business Centre, Anglesey Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 3NT

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Inspector

Kirsty Truesdale, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2745326 5 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.

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Inspector

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

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