Children's Home run by Blossom Care Group Ltd in Worcestershire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2813395 1 Registered provider: Blossom Care Group Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned. It provides care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home was registered on 24 December 2024 and has had the same, suitably qualified manager since registration.

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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: 2813395 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the home was registered, one child has moved in, and they were living there at the time of the inspection. The child experienced a carefully planned transition, including opportunities to meet staff and select their bedroom before moving in. These arrangements contributed to the child settling well into the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child benefits from consistent and nurturing care, which is helping them to develop a sense of belonging. Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the child’s past experiences and their impact on the child’s emotional well-being and self-esteem. They make effective links between the child’s emotional state and presenting behaviours, enabling them to provide attuned and supportive responses. For instance, when the child contacted staff during free time to say they were hungry, staff brought a warm meal to them, showing thoughtful and responsive care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff adopt a proactive approach to supporting the child’s education. They have worked collaboratively with the virtual school team and the child’s social worker to identify a suitable educational placement. When the child has been unable to attend school, staff have offered learning opportunities in the home, ensuring continuity in their education.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s health and well-being are prioritised. Staff encourage the child to make positive choices, including in relation to self-care. When the child showed limited interest in self-care, staff responded creatively by assembling a hamper of toiletries, which helped promote the child’s engagement with personal cleanliness.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is supported to express their views and feel heard. Staff are committed to ensuring the child’s voice is central to the home’s routines and decision-making processes. A recent initiative, ‘My say for team meeting’, allows the child to submit their views and requests for discussion at staff meetings. This ensures their input is considered, even if they prefer not to express it directly.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is maintained to a high standard and provides a comfortable and welcoming environment. There are suitable spaces for the child to relax and enjoy their time. The child’s safety is given high priority, with appropriate measures taken to reduce risks. For example, a wall in the back garden was fenced off to prevent access to the neighbouring property.

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

Safeguarding incidents are managed in a timely way. Risk assessments are tailored to the child’s individual needs, regularly reviewed and updated in response to new information. Clear processes ensure that staff are promptly informed of any changes, supporting a coordinated and responsive approach to care. Inspection report for children’s home: 2813395 3 When the child has been reported missing, staff have responded appropriately and with urgency, working closely with key professionals to prioritise the child’s safety. On returning to the home, the child is welcomed warmly by staff, reinforcing that they are valued and cared for.

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

Positive behaviour is promoted through creative and thoughtful strategies. Staff write weekly letters to the child that acknowledge their achievements and highlight positive experiences, regardless of how small. This practice fosters the child’s sense of being seen and respected by staff, which contributes to the development of trusting relationships.

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

The child is aware of their rights and entitlements. They identified trusted adults in the home and understand how to raise concerns if they are unhappy, either about matters in the home or more widely.

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

Staff adopt a proactive approach to understanding the local area, including potential risks to children. The manager was arranging a visit with a local safeguarding agency to strengthen inter-agency links and support staff in gaining a deeper understanding of child exploitation risks in the area.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is managed competently and effectively. The leadership team is defined by strong relationships, clear communication and well-coordinated working practices. At the time of the inspection, a change in the management team was imminent. A carefully planned transition was in place to ensure continuity of care for the child living in the home and consistency for the staff team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has high aspirations for children and these expectations are embedded in the culture of the home. Staff are encouraged to share and uphold these standards in their practice. They say they are happy in their roles and describe a supportive and cohesive team environment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Safe recruitment procedures are generally followed. Staff working in the home are suitably vetted and assessed as appropriate for their roles. However, when applicants have resigned from previous positions, the reasons for leaving are not always fully explored during the recruitment process.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Supervision is regular and provides a structured space for reflection, support and professional development. The agenda is adapted to meet individual staff needs, as well as those of the home and child. For example, a staff member with limited residential experience was supported in supervision to prepare for the child’s planned admission to the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings take place regularly and are well attended. The agenda is wide ranging and includes safeguarding issues, staff development and the individual needs of the Inspection report for children’s home: 2813395 4 child. Staff view this forum as constructive and value its role in promoting positive team morale.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Training is relevant and focused on equipping staff with the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of children and to safeguard them effectively. Training needs are identified through supervision and team meetings. Recently, targeted training has been provided to address specific safeguarding concerns related to the child living in the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2813395 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person must ensure that recruitment (and supervision and performance management of staff) safeguards children and minimises potential risks to them. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1)

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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: 2813395 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Blossom Care Group Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Office 19, Anglesey Business Centre, Anglesey Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 3NT

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Inspector

Becky Rutter, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2813395 7 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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