Children's Home run by Motivations Activity Projects Ltd in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 1 Registered provider: Motivations Activity Projects Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home was registered with Ofsted December in 2017 and is owned by a private company. It provides care for up to four children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, two children were living in the home. One child was present during the inspection and spoke with the inspector.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager’s post has been vacant since February 2025. Although a new manager has not yet been recruited, a manager from within the company, who has the relevant experience and skills, has been overseeing the day-to-day management of the home.

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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: 15 October 2024

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

15/10/2024 Full Good 11/10/2023 Full Good 07/03/2023 Full Good 06/01/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, three children have moved out of the home and two children have moved in. Children’s moves into and out of the home are managed effectively, even when they are unplanned. Staff are sensitive and caring in their approach, which helps to support children during times of uncertainty.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff form positive relationships with children and actively encourage them to share their views, wishes and feelings through both planned and unplanned conversations. They demonstrate an understanding of children’s emotions during conversations, including when addressing instances where children have made unsafe choices. This approach supports staff in their protective work and helps children feel heard and valued.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Managers and staff understand the importance of children’s education. When children experience difficulties attending school or do not have a school place, staff work closely with education professionals to ensure that bespoke plans are put in place so that children continue to have access to learning. This supports children’s educational progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children enjoy a range of activities both inside and outside of the home. These experiences help them to have fun and engage in things that are meaningful to them. Children speak positively about the care they receive. One child said they feel confident talking to staff about anything.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Feedback from external professionals is positive. An independent reviewing officer said, ‘[Name of interim manager] provided a helpful summary for the review meeting, and we had a useful one-to-one discussion in advance of it. His understanding of the child’s situation and needs was impressive, and I gained a clear sense that the home was providing a positive and supportive caring environment for the child to hopefully settle and find a level of security in.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home environment is well maintained and provides a comfortable space for children. They enjoy spending time in the spacious lounge and sharing mealtimes with staff at the dining table. Children have personalised their bedrooms to reflect their individual preferences, and photos of children, both past and present, are displayed throughout the home, creating a warm and homely atmosphere.

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

Staff know the children well and have a clear understanding of their risks and needs, as well as the actions required to take to keep them safe. Staff follow the guidance outlined in behaviour management plans to safeguard children effectively. Inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 4 The manager and staff respond appropriately when there are concerns about a child’s safety. For example, staff act quickly when a child goes missing from the home. They search for the child and liaise with the local police until the child is found. When children return, staff offer a warm welcome and ensure they have an opportunity to speak with an independent person. This allows children to discuss the reasons they went missing and share any concerns they may have.

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

Children know how to make a complaint. When children make complaints, they are taken seriously and investigated by the manager, who takes steps to respond to children’s concerns. This involves raising concerns with external professionals. The manager identifies learning to influence staff practice. When allegations are made against staff, the manager supports children and staff to restore their relationships. This helps children to feel safe and listened to.

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

Staff use physical intervention only as a last resort to keep children and others safe. While managers maintain oversight of such incidents, this does not consistently take into account the impact on children who were not directly involved. It is unclear how these children are supported during and after incidents to ensure their welfare is protected.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There have been changes in the management team. The registered manager left their position in February 2025, and shortly afterwards, the deputy manager also left their role. These changes in the leadership have been unsettling for both children and staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders are taking action to strengthen the management team, with the aim of providing safe care for children and effective support to staff. As an interim measure, a manager from within the company is overseeing the daily running of the home while a permanent manager is recruited. The responsible individual and the development manager are also providing additional support. A range of audits and monitoring tools are used by the interim manager and senior leaders to assess the quality and safety of the home. This ensures that any shortfalls are identified and addressed promptly.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The interim manager is registered with Ofsted for another home in the company. He is a strong and aspirational leader who demonstrates a genuine commitment to the welfare of children. He goes out of his way to ensure that children receive good, high-quality care. The manager is a reflective practitioner who consistently reviews practice to ensure that children’s individual needs are met.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Managers ensure that staff receive regular supervision. These sessions are child centred and provide opportunities to reflect on practice, as well as consider staff well-being and professional development. Staff members report that they find supervision helpful in their roles. This supports them in developing the skills and strategies needed to respond effectively to children’s individual needs. Inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 5 Safer recruitment processes are in place. Managers take appropriate action to address any concerns regarding staff performance. An ongoing recruitment drive is underway to strengthen the team. Inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 6

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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: 1257202 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Motivations Activity Projects Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: St Matthews Business Centre, Duddeston Manor Road, Birmingham B7 4LZ

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Inspector

Tonia Dubidat, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 8 and inspects 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 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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