Children's home run by Nottingham City Council in Nottingham

Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 1 SC424351

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Registered provider: Nottingham City Council

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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 home is operated by a local authority. It 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 December 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living at 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

Date of last inspection: 21 February 2024

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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: SC424351 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/02/2024 Full Good 01/11/2022 Full Good 24/08/2021 Full Good 01/05/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Both children were seen and spoken to as part of the inspection.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is warm, welcoming and well presented throughout. The manager has identified areas for future maintenance. However, at present, the importance of consistency and security for the children is the main priority and children are happy living in their home. The children moved into the home with few personal belongings. Staff quickly ensured that the children had everything they needed to enhance their sense of worth and belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have been encouraged to try new experiences. The nurturing approach from staff has helped children to try new activities, which has boosted their confidence and self-esteem. Staff have considered the previous trauma children have experienced and ensured this has informed their planning of events and days out. One child is delighted to have recently joined a football team, while staff are actively working to find a suitable team for the other child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child is at an age where developing their independence is important. The manager has carefully considered the balance between ensuring this child experiences positive parenting and nurture, while learning the necessary skills to thrive independently. The significance of this child’s previous trauma remains central to the manager’s approach.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children’s personal and health needs with sensitivity. Staff have been creative in ensuring that children’s needs are addressed without causing shame. As a result, children are making progress and building trusting relationships with staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to practise their religious and cultural beliefs. The diverse staff team provides positive role models. Staff feel privileged to be able to lead by example and give children experiences in ways they have not yet had. Children have been consulted about how they wish to celebrate their religious festivals and staff have facilitated this, capturing meaningful details and helping children to create positive memories.

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

Children are supported through difficult life events. The manager has worked exceptionally hard with the team around the children to ensure they are supported through current court proceedings. The manager advocates that the children’s needs are to remain central to decisions made regarding their care plan.

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

One child, who has now moved out of the home, was frequently reported missing from home. Staff followed the missing-from-home procedures and notified the Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 4 correct authorities. Staff typically knew where the child was and completed regular welfare checks to ensure their safety. The child’s placing authority agreed a move back to their family home. This was carefully planned with realistic expectations, contributing to a positive experience.

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

Incentives are used to encourage positive behaviour and good decision-making. Children respond well to this and have identified the rewards they are working towards. Where consequences have been used, they have been relevant in helping children to learn from their actions. Managers have oversight of consequences to ensure proportionality and consistency.

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

One allegation involving a staff member was reported and handled appropriately. An internal investigation was conducted, which allowed for conclusions to be drawn and learning to be identified. The staff member was recommended to attend refresher training, which was promptly arranged. Robust management oversight ensures staff receive ongoing support after challenging situations.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has made excellent progress in implementing her own vision and ideas for the home. Her passion and commitment ensure children receive a high standard of care. The manager sets high expectations for staff, who feel confident in her leadership. There is a strong team dynamic, with staff sharing responsibility in working towards the same outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is supported by a strong deputy manager, ensuring a smooth transition following the previous manager leaving. There have been some other changes in the staff team, but this has been managed effectively to prevent disruption for the children. Managers have ensured the rotas are covered by current or familiar staff from other homes, maintaining consistency in children’s care. Safer recruitment procedures are followed to ensure vacancies are filled safely.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff supervision is regular and effective, ensuring that staff feel valued and supported. Staff are comfortable to share their ideas and discuss any personal matters that may impact on their work. Staff appreciate the high level of support they receive from the manager, highlighting her caring and nurturing approach towards both staff and children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings are regular and efficient. Each month, individual staff members take turns to complete research on a focused area and present this to the wider team. This encourages and supports a culture of learning and reflection. Staff access varied training opportunities to enhance their care of children. The manager hopes all staff will achieve a level 1 qualification in dyadic developmental psychotherapy. For those who already hold this qualification, their deeper knowledge enhances their understanding of the children’s experiences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations have been made following this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 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: SC424351 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Nottingham City Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG2 3NG

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Inspector

Kayleigh Spinks, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 7 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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