Children's Home run by Prospera Group Ltd in Lancashire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 1 Registered provider: Prospera Group Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home registered with Ofsted in November 2024 and is operated by a private provider. It offers care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

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

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager who registered with Ofsted in November 2024 left in March 2025. The interim manager has applied for registration.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

Inadequate

How well children and young people are helped and protected Inadequate

p.1

Inadequate

The effectiveness of leaders and managers Inadequate

p.1

Inadequate

There are serious and/or widespread failures that mean children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded and/or the care and experiences of children and young people are poor and they are not making progress.

p.1

Inadequate

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

p.1

Inadequate

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

p.1

Inadequate

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 2

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

During the inspection, both children living at the home were present. One child was spoken with by the inspector, and they said that they trust staff and feel safe.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children who are new to the home are welcomed sensitively. Managers and staff ensure that they understand children’s likes and dislikes. One child who moved into the home benefited from a well-planned transition, but for another child, the transition arrangements are unclear due to the poor quality of records.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children’s bedrooms contain damaged furniture and are not sufficiently checked to ensure that they are clean and free of hazardous items, including smoking and vaping paraphernalia.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

When decisions are made for children to move on from the home, they are not prepared. Staff do not have conversations with children about next steps and what they can expect. As a result, children do not understand the decisions made about their care.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children are not accessing education, and there are no clear plans in place to ensure that they have opportunities to learn. Staff do not support educational activity throughout the day, and they have not advocated for children’s return to full-time education. As a result, children are not learning and making progress.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children who experience poor emotional health have not had access to ongoing and consistent support. Managers and staff have not challenged this to ensure that children have access to the right support at the right time. As a result, children’s emotional health needs are not met.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children do not have clear plans to support them in developing their independent living skills. One child who requires a pathway plan does not have one in place, and managers and staff have not taken effective action to address this. Therefore, children are not receiving appropriate support to prepare them for adulthood.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Staff caring for children have not been provided with the necessary training, and they lack the skills and experience children need. Managers have failed to ensure that staff practice is in line with the home’s statement of purpose. There are serious and widespread failures that have not been identified despite concerns being raised by children and staff.

p.2

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

Children have been placed at risk. They have access to cigarettes and vaping devices in their bedrooms. Managers and staff have allowed children to vape in the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 3 Staff have allowed children to spend unsupervised time with individuals who are known to be unsafe and present risks. This is not in line with the children’s plans and has taken place without consultation with the placing authority social worker. This has put a child at significant risk of harm.

p.2

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

Staff do not have the necessary skills and experience to support children who self-harm. Despite the potential risks associated with ligatures for one child, not all staff members have received training in ligature management. Room searches have not been carried out to ensure that items that could be used to ligature are removed. This leaves children at risk of significant harm.

p.3

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

Children do not receive the necessary help and support to safely manage their behaviour and feelings. Staff have not followed the strategies in place to de-escalate behaviour effectively. On one occasion, police have been called to manage an incident. This does not support children in feeling safe.

p.3

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

Comprehensive risk management plans are not being used to address children’s complex needs and behaviours. Plans lack details about specific actions for staff to take to keep children safe. Risk assessments are not always updated to reflect incidents.

p.3

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

Children have clear plans in place should they go missing from home. Plans set out the actions for staff to take to find children, such as carrying out area searches and visiting known addresses. However, children have not been provided with the opportunity to speak to someone independent on their return home.

p.3

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

Staff recruited to the home are not consistently subject to all relevant checks. Consequently, children have been cared for by a staff member who has not been fully vetted before coming to work in the home. This exposes children to adults who may not be safe to care for them.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The previous registered manager left with immediate effect, which does not give children a sense of security or stability. Leaders and the new manager have developed an improvement plan, and staff say that there have been some positive changes. However, it is too soon to see the impact on practice and children’s outcomes.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Leaders and managers have been unable to demonstrate effective oversight of the home. Managers do not consistently review practice to ensure that it is safe and in line with children’s plans. This does not demonstrate effective management.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Staff have not received training that is specific to children’s needs, such as trauma, attachment and ligature training. Leaders and managers do not have sufficient oversight of the gaps in staff’s skills and knowledge. Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 4 Leaders and managers do not provide staff with opportunities to reflect on practice individually or collectively. Supervision does not take place in line with the home’s policy, and there have only been two team meetings. Staff who are new to the home do not receive regular probationary reviews. This means that staff cohesion is not nurtured, and there is little opportunity for staff to reflect on their practice and its impact on children’s progress.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Leaders and managers have failed to notify the regulator of significant incidents. This prevents the provider from having effective oversight and understanding children’s experiences. Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 5

p.4

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.

p.5

Requirement Due date

*The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

p.5

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.5

Requirement Due date

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child;

p.5

Requirement Due date

help each child to understand how to keep safe;

p.5

Requirement Due date

have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

p.5

Requirement Due date

that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(d))

p.5

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure thatchildren’s risk assessments accurately detail current risks and set out the specific actions for staff to take to mitigate or respond to risks;

p.5

Requirement Due date

risk assessments are updated to reflect any changes;

p.5

Requirement Due date

social workers are involved in all decisions relating to children’s time with family members;

p.5

Requirement Due date

staff receive training specific to children’s risks. This includes ligature, self-harm and missing from home;

p.5

Requirement Due date

children’s bedrooms are clear of hazards;

p.5

Requirement Due date

all room searches are documented in full. 15 June 2025 Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 6 *The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

p.5

Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

p.6

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

p.6

Requirement Due date

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

p.6

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff work as a team where appropriate;

p.6

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

p.6

Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child;

p.6

Requirement Due date

understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home;

p.6

Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(c)(e)(h))

p.6

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all staff receive regular reflective supervision in line with the home’s statement of purpose.

p.6

Requirement Due date

Must ensure that new staff receive regular support throughout their probationary period.

p.6

Requirement Due date

Must ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to deliver care that meets children’s individual needs.

p.6

Requirement Due date

Must ensure that there are systems in place to oversee the practice of the staff and manager effectively. 15 June 2025 Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 7 *The education standard is that children make measurable progress towards achieving their educational potential and are helped to do so.

p.6

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.7

Requirement Due date

help each child to achieve the child’s education and training targets, as recorded in the child’s relevant plans;

p.7

Requirement Due date

support each child’s learning and development, including helping the child to develop independent study skills and, where appropriate, helping the child to complete independent study;

p.7

Requirement Due date

understand the barriers to learning that each child may face and take appropriate action to help the child to overcome any such barriers;

p.7

Requirement Due date

help each child to understand the importance and value of education, learning, training and employment;

p.7

Requirement Due date

promote opportunities for each child to learn informally;

p.7

Requirement Due date

maintain regular contact with each child’s education and training provider, including engaging with the provider and the placing authority to support the child’s education and training and to maximise the child’s achievement;

p.7

Requirement Due date

raise any need for further assessment or specialist provision in relation to a child with the child’s education or training provider and the child’s placing authority;

p.7

Requirement Due date

help a child who is excluded from school, or who is of compulsory school age but not attending school, to access educational and training support throughout the period of exclusion or non-attendance and to return to school as soon as possible;

p.7

Requirement Due date

help each child who is above compulsory school age to participate in further education, training or employment and to prepare for future care, education or employment. (Regulation 8 (1) (2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii)(ix)(x))

p.7

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that managers and staff advocate for children to receive education. 15 June 2025 Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 8 Must ensure that children have clear structure and routine in place that focus on learning.

p.7

Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

p.8

Requirement Due date

there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(e)) 15 June 2025

p.8

Requirement Due date

In meeting the quality standards, the registered person must, and must ensure that staff—

p.8

Requirement Due date

seek to involve each child’s placing authority effectively in the child’s care, in accordance with the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 5 (a))

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that children have consistent access to services as identified in their plans, including emotional support. 15 June 2025

p.8

Requirement Due date

The care planning standard is that children—

p.8

Requirement Due date

receive effectively planned care in or through the children’s home.

p.8

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.8

Requirement Due date

that children are admitted to the home only if their needs are within the range of needs of children for whom it is intended that the home is to provide care and accommodation, as set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

p.8

Requirement Due date

ensure the effective induction of each child into the home;

p.8

Requirement Due date

manage and review the placement of each child in the home; and

p.8

Requirement Due date

plan for, and help, each child to prepare to leave the home or to move into adult care in a way that is consistent with arrangements agreed with the child’s placing authority;

p.8

Requirement Due date

that, subject to regulation 22 (contact and access to communications), contact between each child and the child’s 15 June 2025 Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 9 parents, relatives and friends, is promoted in accordance with the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 14 (1)(a) (2)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(d))

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that the home’s care plans for children are in line with the local authority care plans.

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety.

p.9

Requirement Due date

employ an individual to work at the children’s home; or

p.9

Requirement Due date

full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. (Regulation 32 (1) (2)(a)(d))

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that references are received for staff who have worked with children in the past. 15 June 2025

p.9

Requirement Due date

*These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

p.9

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: 2794450 10

p.9

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Prospera Group Limited

p.10

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Langholme, Longsight Road, Langho, Blackburn BB6 8AD

p.10

Inspector

Nicola Forrester, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2794450 11 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.10

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.11

Inspector

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

p.11

Inspector

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

p.11