Children's Home run by First 4 Children Ltd in Stoke-on-Trent

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2711236 1 Registered provider: First 4 Children 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 privately owned and provides care for up to three children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home was registered with Ofsted in March 2023. An experienced manager leads the home. She was in post at the time of the last inspection but was not yet registered with Ofsted. The manager registered in November 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

Three children were living in the home at the time of the inspection, all of whom were involved in the inspection visit.

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Inspection date: 24 March 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 24 March 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.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have 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: 2711236 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

The same two children are living in the home as at the time of the previous inspection, and one new child has joined the home. Children live in a home that is warm, welcoming and well maintained. Staff have developed positive, nurturing relationships with children, and this helps children to feel safe and cared for.

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Findings from the inspection

When children join the home, careful consideration of their needs and those of the other children in the home is given. Managers have reviewed their policies and ensure that all relevant local authority documents are in place prior to a new child joining the home. This helps staff to understand the child’s needs and plan for the arrival of and care for the child. Children receive a well-planned introduction to the home, which helps them to settle quickly.

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Findings from the inspection

There are barriers to one child’s education and the child struggles to attend school. The manager works in partnership with the school and placing authority to support attendance. She is proactive and creative when supporting the child to attend school. Professionals note that the manager is taking all practical steps to encourage the child to attend school. She is instrumental in coordinating professional meetings during times of poor school engagement.

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Findings from the inspection

One child is thriving in school, with excellent attendance. One child is currently being home schooled due to recently moving into the home and no longer being able to attend their previous school. While the child is awaiting a new school, they are provided with a timetable of activities to provide structure and routine to their day and promote their learning.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s written plans and risk assessments are kept under review. As a result, these are reflective of the local authority plans for children and recognise the current risks and they set out how best to support children. There have been four incidents of physical restraint in the home since the last inspection. Any restraint needed is used as a last resort and there is prompt managerial oversight and reflective discussions with children. Additional key-work sessions are also considered to support children’s understanding of the use of restraint and to support the relationship between children and staff.

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Findings from the inspection

One child has had missing-from-home episodes since the last inspection. Staff follow the child’s missing-from-home protocol and work in partnership with relevant agencies. The manager has oversight of all incidents and ensures that return home interviews are completed so learning from incidents can be taken. Strategies to reduce the risk of missing-from-home episodes are considered. Professionals working with the child report that they are satisfied that staff have done all they can to locate the child and encourage them to return to the home. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2711236 3 Staff receive regular supervision. New staff are safely recruited and have a clear induction to prepare them for working in the home. Training is completed in line with the home’s statement of purpose and training to meet the specific needs of children has been delivered to support staff in their role.

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Findings from the inspection

All requirements raised from the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2711236 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/07/2024 Full requires improvement to be good 15/11/2023 Full Good 22/08/2023 Full Inadequate Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2711236 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: First 4 Children Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Office 7, Old Whieldon Road Business Centre, Old Whieldon Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4HW

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: William Mulvaney

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Inspector

Joanne Hawkins, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2711236 6 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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