Children's Home run by Orchard Children Homes Ltd in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children’s home: 1257740 1 Registered provider: Orchard Children Homes Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private organisation. The home provides care for up to four children who experience social and emotional difficulties. The home registered in July 2017.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since February 2023.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1257740 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/07/2024 Full Good 29/11/2023 Full Outstanding 31/01/2023 Full Good 02/03/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 1257740 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

At the time of the inspection, three children were living at the home. Two of the children had lived there for between two and six years, while one child had recently moved in.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Since the last inspection, one young person has successfully moved on to independent living after spending over seven years at the home. Their move out of the home was well planned. However, unforeseen delays in securing their new accommodation meant they remained at the home for several months after turning 18. The manager advocated strongly for them to stay, preventing an unnecessary move and additional distress. As a result, the young person’s experience was exceptionally positive, and they have continued to thrive.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The child who recently moved into the home experienced a well-organised and child- focused move. They were given opportunities to meet staff and choose their bedroom, which helped them prepare emotionally for the move. This thoughtful planning enabled the child to settle remarkably well and begin forming meaningful relationships with staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children have a strong sense of belonging at the home. They enjoy trusting relationships with staff and feel safe to share sensitive feelings and experiences. Staff are highly attuned to children’s needs and use professional curiosity to deepen their understanding. This approach helps children feel valued and understood. Clear and consistent boundaries further support children’s emotional security.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The home environment is welcoming and well maintained. Soft furnishings and wall murals contribute to a comfortable and homely atmosphere. Photos of children and staff enjoying activities together are proudly displayed in the dining room, reinforcing a sense of community. Children are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms. One child was supported to paint an entire wall with characters from films and games she enjoys, which has become a source of pleasure and relaxation.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children make excellent progress in their education. Staff advocate effectively to ensure children access the most suitable provision for their individual needs. When staff identified that communication with one child’s school could be improved, they proposed a daily handover arrangement. This has enabled all adults to understand the child’s emotional state before and after school, allowing for more attuned care and support.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

During the inspection, all children were keen to speak with the inspector. They spoke enthusiastically about their achievements and interests. Observations confirmed that children were unquestionably happy in their environment and in the company of staff. One child delighted in showing his trading card collection to an engaged and enthusiastic staff member.

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

Inspection report for children’s home: 1257740 4 Care planning is of an excellent standard and ensures that risks to children are clearly understood and minimised effectively. Staff are confident in their safeguarding responsibilities and regularly review children’s risk assessments. These are promptly updated when new information arises, ensuring children remain well protected.

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

Children’s lives have been significantly improved through competent and purposeful planning. One child is no longer subject to a deprivation of liberty order following a sustained period of support and safeguarding by staff. This child has recently completed a year at college and now enjoys regular free time in the community, reflecting their increased independence and emotional resilience.

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

When children go missing from the home, staff take swift and appropriate action in line with agreed protocols. Children are welcomed back with dignity and respect, and staff provide sensitive support to help them feel safe. Physical restraint is used only when necessary and proportionate. Staff help children to regulate their emotions and calm down following incidents. Debriefs are offered to both children and staff in a timely and reflective manner. Medication is well managed, and staff receive thorough training in its storage and administration when they begin their roles.

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

The manager uses research to inform and enhance practice. When one child expressed a desire never to be restrained again, the manager undertook training in Non-Violent Resistance (NVR). This approach was shared with the team through ongoing workshops to embed learning. As a result, the use of physical restraint has significantly reduced, and all children have benefited from the adoption of NVR principles.

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

When children have specific needs, staff are supported to develop the skills and knowledge required to provide tailored care. Following a significant bereavement experienced by one child, the manager ensured all staff completed training in grief and loss. This enhanced the emotional support provided during a particularly difficult time. When another child was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the manager delivered a series of workshops to help staff understand the child’s behaviours in the context of their diagnosis. A reflective review of previous incidents was carried out to explore how staff could respond differently in future. This demonstrates a remarkable commitment to understanding the child and achieving the best possible outcomes.

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

There have been no complaints or allegations since the last inspection.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is an inspirational leader who is deeply committed to improving the lives of children. She models exceptional practice and has cultivated a team culture defined by high expectations and a shared dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for children. Her advocacy is persistent and child focused. When a young person experienced a seizure shortly before moving to independent living, the manager sought a thorough medical assessment to ensure his health needs were fully understood. The Inspection report for children’s home: 1257740 5 young person was supported to understand his condition, and staff maintained regular contact after his move, demonstrating continued care and commitment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff team is well established and highly stable. No staff members have left since the last inspection, and there have been no vacancies for over 12 months. Staff report high levels of job satisfaction and fulfilment. On the rare occasions when agency staff are used, the manager ensures consistency by using the same individuals, providing familiarity and continuity for the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Monitoring and audit systems are robust and provide leaders and managers with comprehensive oversight of the home. Responsibilities for monitoring tasks are appropriately delegated, supporting staff development and accountability. Recruitment practices are secure and thorough. Where concerns arise regarding applicants’ previous experience, these are explored rigorously to ensure only safe and competent individuals are appointed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Supervision is regular and of excellent quality. It provides a reflective space for staff to explore children’s behaviours, team dynamics and their own professional development. In addition to standard supervision, staff receive focused sessions to embed their understanding of the PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) model of care. Regular consultations with a clinical psychologist further enhance staff’s ability to interpret children’s behaviours within the context of their life experiences. This deepens their understanding of the therapeutic approaches that support positive behaviour management.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Feedback from external professionals is overwhelmingly positive. Staff are consistently recognised for going above and beyond to advocate for children and promote their welfare. Development plans for the home are ambitious and rooted in the team’s direct experience of the barriers children face in education. These plans reflect a proactive and responsive approach to improving outcomes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Team meetings are held regularly and provide a meaningful space for discussion and learning. Each meeting includes dedicated time to focus on specific issues relating to individual children’s needs, such as NVR and autistic spectrum disorder. Staff report that these sessions have strengthened their practice and enhanced their confidence in supporting children effectively. Inspection report for children’s home: 1257740 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure the home has a nurturing and supportive environment that meet the needs of their children, they will, in most cases, be homely, domestic environments. This specifically relates to ensuring that the garden areas are tidy and play equipment is well maintained. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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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: 1257740 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Orchard Children Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Orchard Children Homes Ltd, 2nd Floor, 118 Calais Road, Burton-on-Trent DE13 0UW

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Inspector

Becky Rutter, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1257740 8 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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