Children's home run by Searchlight Care Services Ltd in Stoke-on-Trent

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC411074 1 SC411074

p.1

Registered provider: Searchlight Care Services Ltd

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

A private company owns this home. The home provides care for one child with social and/or emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered in May 2024 and has a relevant management qualification.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

One child was living in the home at the time of this inspection and was spoken to by the inspector.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

p.1

Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has 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: SC411074 2

p.1

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.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child is settled and making progress. Staff use a therapeutic approach to understand and respond to the child’s needs. As a result, the child has formed strong attachments with the staff and enjoys positive interactions with them.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The home is nicely decorated and provides a welcoming environment for the child. Photos of the child and their adventures are displayed throughout the home. The child’s bedroom is personal to their taste and is filled with toys and art and craft materials.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

There have been improvements made to the exterior of the home, with new fencing and a secure gate. An area previously filled with rubble now provides the child with an area to grow flowers. This provides the child with a sense of belonging.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Health needs that are specific to the child are well understood by staff. The child is receiving specialist support for their learning needs. The registered manager holds a specialist qualification in supporting children’s complex behaviours and provides regular opportunities for the staff to develop their knowledge and understanding. This enables the staff to provide the child with care that meets their needs.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff help the child to improve their self-esteem by using positive praise. The child has a reward box, and there are certificates of praise displayed around the home. This is helping the child to feel valued and develop self-worth.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Internal placement plans are up to date and in line with the local authorities’ care plan. Risk assessments have been significantly improved. They are updated regularly and include strategies to support the child. This helps to raise the awareness of staff and promotes consistency in ensuring the child’s safety and well-being.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff try to help the child to calm by using therapeutic measures. When physical intervention is required, it is only used by staff as a last resort to ensure the child’s safety. The registered manager has good oversight of all incidents. The child is supported to discuss their feelings.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The response by staff to allegations and complaints made by the child has improved. The child is spoken to, and their views are heard. The registered manager shares information with the relevant professionals to ensure that concerns are recorded and investigated. Following the investigation, the child is given feedback. This helps the child to feel listened to. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC411074 3 The registered manager ensures that regular fire checks are completed. The child is regularly involved in fire evacuation procedures and discussions around fire safety. This enables the child to develop a greater understanding of the dangers of fire.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The registered manager has a good understanding of the home’s strengths and areas for development. She has effective monitoring tools that she uses along with the independent visitor assessment to continually assess and improve the quality of care and progress of the child.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Staff feel supported by the registered manager. Reflective practice is promoted. For example, staff review incidents together to reduce and manage risks. Team meetings and individual supervision provide staff with the opportunity to discuss the child’s plans and agree consistent approaches.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Staff enjoy working in the home; they are enthusiastic about supporting the child and have a good understanding of their individual needs. Staff work hard to provide a nurturing environment and are committed to providing good-quality care to the child.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

The registered manager has developed strong working relationships with external professionals, who describe the quality of care provided to the child as good.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

All the requirements and recommendations raised at the full inspection were met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC411074 4

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/05/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 17/01/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 01/11/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 12/10/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC411074 5

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Searchlight Care Services Ltd

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Marcus House, Parkhall Road, Longton, Stoke-on- Trent ST3 5XA

p.5

Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Denver Underwood

p.5

Inspector

Julia Tompson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC411074 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.

p.5

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 .

p.6

Inspector

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.6

Inspector

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

p.6

Inspector

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

p.6