Children's home run by Nottingham City Council in Nottingham

Inspection report for children’s home: SC424280 1 SC424280 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 October 2013.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living at the home. 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, 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: SC424280 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/03/2024 Full Good 08/11/2022 Full Good 07/02/2022 Full Good 16/10/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC424280 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are cared for in a warm and nurturing environment. They are encouraged to personalise their rooms, helping to create a space that feels like their own. This contributes positively to their emotional well-being and self-esteem. One child has formed secure and meaningful relationships with staff, demonstrating trust and security in their care. Meanwhile, the other child is making good progress in developing these trusting relationships, with staff trying different and creative ways to support this.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported effectively during their transitions in and out of the home. Clear planning and considered risk assessments have contributed to the positive experiences children have had during their period of transition. One child who transitioned into supported accommodation took the time to write a heartfelt letter to staff expressing gratitude for the positive impact they had on his life. This reflects the strong relationships fostered between staff and children during their time at the home. Where appropriate, staff maintain supportive links with children and young adults after they leave the home. This ongoing contact helps to reinforce a sense of security and belonging for former residents, while also setting a positive example for children currently living in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child is not currently engaged in formal post-16 education or employment. Staff have been proactive in addressing this and supporting the child to plan for their future. Through understanding the child’s strengths and interests, staff have been able to guide the child in a positive direction. The child is currently undertaking a short online course, which they hope will lead to an apprenticeship or employment opportunity and improve their prospects. The child has developed a positive daily routine, which supports their motivation and overall well-being.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have expressed a preference for not engaging in weekly children’s meetings as they feel this does not reflect a typical home environment. In response, staff ensure that children’s wishes and views are captured through alternative means. Children engage positively in key-work sessions and enjoy informal, casual conversations with staff, which fosters a more natural and comfortable environment for sharing their thoughts. One child is very confident and forthcoming in expressing their views and opinions. Staff ensure that the other child, who is more reserved, is provided with the same opportunities to voice their thoughts.

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

There have been significant concerns regarding one child’s use of the internet and their devices. Staff have responded proactively and worked collaboratively with the child’s network to address the issues and provide the necessary support. With guidance from key professionals, the child is being helped to use their skills in a positive and constructive manner. Staff have played a crucial role in steering the child’s interests Inspection report for children’s home: SC424280 4 towards a productive path, aiming to reduce risks while supporting the child’s aspirations.

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

There was a period when children were occasionally missing from home. It was a concern that on some occasions, the children went missing together. The manager demonstrated good oversight of these incidents and explored themes and behaviours to update risk assessments. For one child, a pattern of behaviour became evident and this related to personal challenges they were experiencing. Through consistent nurture and care, the child has been supported to reduce their risks, including the misuse of alcohol.

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

Staff support children in helping them to make sense of their life experiences. They work collaboratively with a range of professionals to ensure the most appropriate and sensitive approaches are adopted when addressing complex matters. For one child, there are gaps in their life story, and the staff team is actively working to address these before any meaningful therapeutic work can begin. The other child, through consistent nurture and care, is supported in understanding both the positive and negative impact of their family relationships.

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

One child has begun to enjoy spending time with their friends and inviting them to their home. Staff actively support and encourage these social interactions, taking the time to get to know the people the child regularly spends time with. This positive engagement has contributed to a reduction in risks for the child, while also enhancing their experience of socialising and building friendships. As a result, the child’s social development has become more positive, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager sets high standards for staff and demonstrates strong, experienced leadership. He is motivated to create an environment where staff are happy and children flourish. The manager is supported by a strong deputy manager, and the members of the established staff team bring their individual strengths to the home. The sense of teamwork and partnership is evident throughout the home, ensuring that children experience consistency in care, which has a positive impact on their overall well-being and development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers provide staff with direction and regular professional supervision. Staff are supported during challenging and personal difficulties in their lives, reducing the impact this has had on their professional practice. This approach has enabled the team to maintain a stable, safe and happy place for children to live.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff are supported to undertake a varied programme of training and development. Some training has directly related to the needs of the children and therefore enabled staff to adapt their practice and ensure the child’s needs are met effectively. Most staff have completed their qualification in dyadic developmental psychotherapy at level 1. This has deepened their knowledge and helped them to respond to children’s needs in a more informed and empathetic way. Inspection report for children’s home: SC424280 5 Team meetings are used effectively to improve staff’s knowledge and skills. These meetings are held regularly and are well attended by staff. An opportunity for reflective practice is incorporated into the meetings, with everyone taking responsibility for improving children’s care and experiences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Feedback from external professionals is consistently positive, with a recurring theme of excellent communication and planning for the children. Professionals recognise the progress children are making and attribute this success to the proactive and supportive approach of the staff team.

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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: SC424280 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: SC424280 7 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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