Children's home run by Keys Care Limited in Belfast

Inspection report for children’s home: SC063883 1 SC063883 Registered provider: Keys Care Limited

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This privately run home provides care for up to two children. It specialises in providing long-term, therapeutic care for children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2022.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection there were two children living in the home.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

p.1

good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

p.1

good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC063883 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/03/2024 Full Good 29/11/2022 Full Good 25/01/2022 Full Good 05/11/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC063883 3

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The same children have lived in the home since before the last inspection, providing them with stability and continuity of care. Both children were spoken with. The children’s progress is evident, with one child showing significantly increased confidence and improved communication skills. There is a family feel in this home. One child expressed a sense of belonging, saying, ‘I got lucky with my family here [care staff], and I have an amazing life and dreams.’

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Parents speak positively about the care and support their children receive. Where appropriate, this support is also extended to parents, strengthening family relationships. One parent said, ‘The staff have been so amazing. The therapist has supported me and helped me to understand how I can best support my child.’ This collaborative approach ensures that children are helped to build and maintain positive family relationships.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff understand the importance of education and are dedicated to supporting each child's learning and development. One child has successfully moved to a new school, where they are making progress both academically and socially. Another child, who is currently on a part-time timetable, benefits from the continued advocacy of the manager and staff to ensure they receive the right educational support. School professionals speak highly of the home’s staff, acknowledging their commitment in providing extracurricular opportunities for the child.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff engage with children on important, age-appropriate topics such as puberty, bodily changes, feelings, and relationships. These discussions provide children with accurate information and reassurance in a safe and supportive environment. The children have trusted adults they can confide in, allowing them to openly share their thoughts and feelings. These meaningful conversations mirror those that any good parent would have with their child, helping to promote healthy development and understanding.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported in understanding and valuing their own and others’ unique differences. Regular cultural celebrations promote inclusivity and respect in the home. Additionally, staff have begun expanding their work on inclusion and diversity, with both staff and children exploring opportunities for greater involvement in community engagement and charity events.

p.3

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

Children feel safe in this home and are empowered to make decisions about their care. They have the confidence to speak up if something does not feel right. When one child raised a complaint, they were provided with reassurance, time, and space to express their concerns. Their worries were taken seriously, leading to a thorough investigation. The manager identified key learning points for staff and took appropriate action. Inspection report for children’s home: SC063883 4 Throughout the process, the child was fully supported and kept informed, ensuring they felt heard and valued.

p.3

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

Children are supported in recognising their achievements, which are celebrated through verbal and written praise, as well as incentives. When mistakes are made, children are guided in understanding what went wrong and how to make things right. This approach is constructive and supportive, with no sense of blame or shame for the child. All incidents are recorded in a child-friendly manner, using language that is reassuring to the children.

p.4

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

Staff support children in taking age-appropriate risks, such as spending time away from the home or using a mobile phone. Carefully planned measures and checks are in place for their safety. If a child begins to struggle, staff provide guidance to help them to get back on track. For example, if a child attempts to access an inappropriate website, staff engage in meaningful conversations to help them understand online safety and why certain content may not be appropriate.

p.4

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

Children are supported in building positive relationships with one another. While disagreements occur, staff use restorative practices and meaningful conversations to help children resolve their conflicts in a constructive way. This approach encourages understanding, respect, and the development of healthy social skills.

p.4

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

Staff understand the children, including their triggers and the best way to help them. As a result, incidents involving children have decreased. Children are helped to manage their emotions and building resilience. To further enhance staff expertise, the manager has identified trauma-informed training aimed at ensuring continued development in this crucial area.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager demonstrates inspirational and confident leadership, making a significant impact on the lives of the children in this home. Her strong oversight and commitment to excellence ensure that children receive the highest quality care and support. This has led to positive outcomes, including one child successfully increasing time with their family and progressing towards a planned return to parental care. Her influence drives continuous improvement, ensuring that every child benefits from a nurturing and supportive environment.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager and deputy manager work extremely well together, complementing each other’s strengths to ensure the home runs smoothly and consistently. Their collaborative approach provides stability, creating a positive and supportive workplace. As a result, staff enjoy coming to work. One member of staff said, ‘This home is like a second home to me, I love being here.’ This strong team dynamic contributes to a well-structured and nurturing environment for both staff and children.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff speak highly of the manager and the deputy manager. They express appreciation for the support they receive both professionally and personally. Staff also Inspection report for children’s home: SC063883 5 speak positively about their colleagues. The managers have created an open and transparent culture based on trust and honesty. Staff feel empowered to challenge and ask questions appropriately. This environment ensures that everyone remains fully informed and focused on achieving the best outcomes for the children.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has established strong working relationships with partner agencies and schools to ensure that children receive the best possible care and experiences. She is proactive in advocating for the children, engaging in challenging conversations with local authorities and education providers to keep care and education plans up to date. For one child, the manager’s unwavering support, alongside the dedication of the staff team, has been vital in ensuring they remain on roll at school.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The leaders and managers have successfully maintained a stable staff team, achieved through a strong focus on succession planning and staff development. High staff retention and ongoing professional development ensure that children receive consistent, high-quality care. This stability helps children feel safe, secure and supported by familiar and trusted adults.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

No requirements or recommendations were made following this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: SC063883 6

p.5

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: SC063883 7

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: C/O Pinsent Masons Llp, The Soloist Building, 1 Lanyon Place, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT1 3LP

p.7

Inspector

Jo Birtwhistle, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC063883 8 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.

p.7

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspector

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

p.8