Children's Home run by Bright Life Living (Oldbury) Limited in Sandwell

Inspection report for children’s home: 2811180 1 Registered provider: Bright Life Living (Oldbury) Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in January 2025 and is owned by a private company. It provides care for up to three children who may have had adverse childhood experiences.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living at the home, and no children have moved out since it opened.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager has applied to register with Ofsted.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

p.1

good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

p.1

good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

p.1

good

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2811180 2

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager and staff have developed secure and trusting relationships with the children. They demonstrate a strong understanding of the children’s lived experiences and interact with them with warmth, empathy and respect.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Transitions into the home are carefully planned. Children are actively involved in the pre- admission process, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of ownership. The manager maintains regular contact with children before their move, and each child is allocated a personal budget to decorate and personalise their bedroom. As a result, children have settled quickly and positively into the home.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Both children have made notable progress from their starting points. Staff spend meaningful time with them and engage in their preferred activities. There is a clear focus on creating positive experiences and lasting memories, which contributes to the children’s emotional well-being and development.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff are committed to supporting children’s educational progress. The manager ensured that education arrangements were in place from the point of admission, avoiding any disruption to the children’s routines. In one case, the manager worked persistently to secure a further education placement that aligns with the child’s aspirations. Children’s achievements are consistently celebrated, which helps to build their confidence and self- esteem.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are well met. Staff ensure that referrals are progressed promptly so that children receive timely support. The manager has demonstrated effective advocacy, successfully securing specialist input even when initial referrals were declined.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home provides a warm and welcoming environment. It is decorated to a high standard and reflects the children’s personalities and interests. Children are encouraged to contribute to the home’s decor and choose items that reflect their preferences. Designated spaces are available for children to enjoy their hobbies, which supports their sense of belonging and ownership.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Diversity, equality and inclusion are embedded in the ethos of the home. Staff demonstrate a strong appreciation of each child’s identity and are creative in promoting this. Children are encouraged to engage in charitable activities, including donating to causes of their choice. One professional noted that the diversity of the staff team helps children to understand and value different perspectives.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s views are actively sought and highly valued. Staff use creative methods to capture children’s voices, including written forms titled ‘things for [name of manager] to get back to us about’. This approach enables children to express their wishes in a way Inspection report for children’s home: 2811180 3 that feels safe and accessible. Records and reports are written in a child-friendly and personalised style, which helps children feel respected and involved in their care.

p.2

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

Staff demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with the children in their care. They work effectively with external agencies to safeguard children, and this collaborative approach has enhanced the support available. Safety plans are detailed and include coordinated actions to mitigate identified risks. There is clear evidence that the level of risk to children has reduced over time.

p.3

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

There have been no incidents requiring the use of physical intervention. Staff rely on the strength of their relationships with children to de-escalate situations and manage behaviours proactively. Positive behaviour is consistently promoted and reinforced. For example, children have access to a rewards box containing items of personal interest, which is used to celebrate achievements such as sustained engagement in education. Clear and consistent boundaries help children to feel safe and secure.

p.3

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

Staff use direct work to help children understand potential risks. These sessions are delivered in an informal and approachable manner, which helps children feel at ease when discussing sensitive topics. Areas explored have included exploitation, substance misuse, and healthy relationships, supporting children to develop awareness and make safer choices.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Senior leaders and managers share a clear and ambitious vision for the home. They are committed to ensuring that children experience a childhood characterised by love, care, and joyful memories. Leaders maintain close working relationships with the home’s managers, enabling them to retain extensive knowledge and oversight of the home’s operation and development.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The home is led by a suitably experienced and qualified manager. The manager and deputy bring complementary skills to their roles, forming a strong and effective leadership team. Both are deeply committed to securing positive outcomes for children, and this commitment is central to their practice. They are inspirational leaders and serve as exceptional role models for the staff team. As a result, staff remain child focused, empathetic, and proactive in their approach to safeguarding and supporting children.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Positive staff practices are routinely recognised and praised, which contributes to high morale and a strong sense of value among the team. The managers are highly regarded by the staff, who praise them for their support and consistent efforts to meet the children's needs.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager’s oversight and monitoring of the home are excellent. Issues, which are rare, are identified promptly and addressed effectively. The manager has a clear understanding of the team’s strengths and areas for development. They are enthusiastic Inspection report for children’s home: 2811180 4 about supporting staff to build their skills to ensure that children receive the highest standard of care.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Regular supervision sessions promote reflective practice. Team meetings are interactive and include activities designed to stimulate thoughtful discussion about the children’s needs and experiences. The manager ensures that staff receive training relevant to their roles, including specialist training tailored to the specific needs of the children. These forums promote continuous professional development and enhance the quality of care provided.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Feedback from external professionals is unanimously positive. It highlights the exceptional leadership of the managers and the high standard of care delivered by the staff team. Inspection report for children’s home: 2811180 5

p.4

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: 2811180 6

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Bright Life Living (Oldbury) Limited

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Peak House, Farm House Way, Birmingham, West Midlands B43 7SE

p.6

Inspector

Latoya Morgan, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2811180 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.

p.6

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.7

Inspector

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

p.7

Inspector

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

p.7