Children's home run by Upwards residential care services Ltd

Inspection report for children's home: 2795352 1 Registered provider: Upwards Residential Care Services 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 is registered to provide care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager was registered as part of the registration of the home in September 2024 and is suitably qualified. This is the home’s first inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, one child was living at the home. The child was spoken to by the inspector.

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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: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children's home: 2795352 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child has moved into the home from another home owned by the organisation. The move was appropriately managed and in the best interests of the child. After a brief period of unrest, the child has settled and is making progress. The child is responding well to consistent boundaries and takes part in the daily routines of the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child said they are happy and enjoy being with the staff. They have lots of fun together. They have been to Blackpool, have visited an animal farm and have enjoyed preparations for an Easter-egg hunt. These experiences are captured in photos compiled into memory books for the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff encourage the child to engage in activities in the community. The child sent hand-made Christmas cards to neighbours, supported the local police community support officer at a boxing match and volunteered at a stables. These opportunities help the child to develop skills that will support them into adulthood. The positive recognition that the child receives for their contributions to the community increases their confidence and self-esteem.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is beautifully decorated and furnished. Staff take considerable pride in the environment and make it homely for the child. There are photos of the child throughout, along with jigsaws and artwork that the child has created. This nurtures a sense of permanence and belonging which contributes to the child feeling secure.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The registered manager and staff encourage the child to attend regular health appointments. When the child struggled with their dental appointments, the staff team educated the child to understand the importance of their oral health. As a result, the child attended a dental appointment, demonstrating increased confidence.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is receiving education at home. They are engaging with their tutor, which is progress. There has been delay with the child’s education, health and care plan since moving into the home. The registered manager consistently advocates with the school, virtual school and SEND services to ensure that the child’s educational needs are being met.

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

The child said they feel safe and named the staff they would talk to if they were worried about anything. This is testament to the positive relationships that the child shares with the staff looking after them.

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

Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and the child’s risks and vulnerabilities. Comprehensive risk assessments and safety plans are in place. The plans Inspection report for children's home: 2795352 3 are kept under constant review and are frequently updated to ensure staff have the accurate information that they need to keep the child safe.

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

Direct work with the child is varied and of good quality. Staff have important discussions with the child around positive relationships, education, online safety and culture. These discussions help the child to understand how to develop socially acceptable behaviour. As a result, the child’s life chances are improved.

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

Staff are proud of the child and smile fondly when they talk about them. They are attuned to the child’s emotions and behaviours. They use different strategies and approaches to help the child effectively explore their thoughts, feelings and changing behaviours.

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

Staff use physical intervention as a last resort. When it is used, it is necessary and proportionate and the child’s views and feelings about being held are gathered. The registered manager has oversight of restrictive practice and supports the staff to reflect after each incident. However, on the two occasions that physical intervention has been used, the registered manager did not record whether she held discussions with the staff or the child within the appropriate timescales.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

A suitably qualified and experienced manager leads the team. She has a comprehensive knowledge of the child’s starting point and what they have accomplished since living in the home. She is fully involved in the child’s life and is a good role model for staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is good and consistent feedback from staff, who clearly enjoy working in the home and feel supported by the registered manager and deputy manager. The staff are encouraged to learn and develop. Staff have positive attitudes and are enthusiastic about their roles. Consequently, staff morale is good.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings and supervision sessions take place regularly and are used as a time for reflection and learning. Staff are given the opportunity to discuss the child’s care plans, day-to-day arrangements in the home and their roles and responsibilities.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager has established good connections with partner agencies. One professional said there is effective communication with the staff team and was positive about the nurture and care provided to the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager has good oversight of the operation of the home. Effective auditing tools are used. Leaders understand the home’s strengths and areas for development. They are realistic about the areas that need to be developed, particularly given the short time that the home has been open. Inspection report for children's home: 2795352 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

within 5 days of the use of the measure, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure. (Regulation 35 (3)(c)) 30 April 2025

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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: 2795352 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Upwards Residential Care Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Suite 1, 4th Floor, Building 1, Wilson Business Park, Monsall Road, Manchester M40 8WN

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Inspector

Julia Tompson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2795352 6 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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