Children's Home run by Integral Care Group Ltd in Croydon

Inspection report for children’s home: 2800095 1 Registered provider: Integral Care Group Ltd

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home and the manager registered with Ofsted in February 2025. The registered manager is currently undertaking a suitable manager’s qualification.

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by a private provider. It provides care for up to four children who may experience social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living in 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 outstanding

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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: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2800095 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the home’s registration, staff have supported two children to move in. They have spent time getting to know each child’s individual needs, including how they communicate and learn. Staff are building trusting relationships and providing support that helps children to feel safe and secure. Children are making positive progress from their starting points and responding well to the care they receive.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children say that they feel safe and happy in the home. They speak positively about their relationships with staff and the environment. One child expressed occasional frustration with house rules; however, they feel listened to and understood.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children to take part in a range of planned activities that reflect their interests. These experiences help children to build confidence, develop social skills, and explore new opportunities. Staff encourage children to share their views and reflect on their progress through day-to-day conversations.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff recognise children’s progress, however small. For example, one child is working hard to keep to their curfew and speak to staff regularly when outside the home. This shows improved responsibility and communication. Children are developing independence skills by budgeting, planning shopping trips and learning the value of money.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff use everyday opportunities to have meaningful conversations with children. At home and in the community, these discussions help children to explore their thoughts, manage their feelings, and express themselves with confidence.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The registered manager has high expectations for what children should receive and advocates strongly for their access to appropriate learning. One child is currently attending a farm-based therapeutic provision while a school place is being arranged. In the meantime, staff support the child to attend tuition and additional library sessions to complete homework, to ensure their continued learning. The registered manager recognises that consistent routines are central to supporting children’s overall development.

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

Children benefit from calm, reassuring communication from staff. This approach helps to build trusting relationships and helps children to feel safe to share concerns, worries and information about risks. Staff respond with care and compassion, and records of key discussions clearly demonstrate a nurturing environment.

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

Staff put plans in place to manage each child’s individual risks. They support children to reduce risk related behaviours by involving them in activities that interest them. Social Inspection report for children’s home: 2800095 3 workers recognise the progress that children are making and praise how staff manage risky behaviours.

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

Staff manage difficult situations to keep children safe and supported. They talk with children to help them think about what happened, and follow up with relevant professionals. The registered manager talks with staff to reflect on practice and ensures that lessons are learned and put into action.

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

Staff use physical restraint only as a last resort, which is rarely needed. They use calm and respectful approaches to help children manage difficult moments, which are adapted to each child’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leadership in the home is inspirational and consistently drives improvement. The registered manager leads with passion, ambition, and a deep understanding of each child’s needs. This ethos is shared across the team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager offers visible leadership, modelling best practice in the day-to- day running of the home. They have a clear understanding of the team’s strengths and areas for development, and proactively implement tailored plans to support staff in delivering high-quality, individualised care for children

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff say that the culture in the home is of continuous learning and professional growth. Both staff and social workers praised the registered manager’s dedication and commitment, highlighting the strong focus on children. Staff feel safe and supported to share ideas and are confident in meeting children’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders actively seek support from the wider community to improve children’s care and experiences. They understand each child’s vulnerabilities and help children to reach their full potential and participate meaningfully in community life. For example, staff take children to a local pottery café, drama clubs and music studios.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager advocates for children, escalating concerns to ensure that their needs are promptly met. They make sure that each child’s wishes, feelings, and things that might upset them are central to all planning and shared clearly with the professional network.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager and staff place a strong emphasis on hearing and valuing children’s views. The registered manager uses a gentle and empathetic approach to help children understand how their behaviour affects themselves and others. This builds trust and promotes positive behaviour, and the whole team follows this example.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff take part in reflective practice through supervision, induction, team training and regular check-ins with senior managers. The registered manager handles difficult conversations with sensitivity and clarity, making sure that staff feel supported while being challenged to improve their practice. The registered manager encourages Inspection report for children’s home: 2800095 4 professional curiosity to help staff understand children better and make the most of every opportunity.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

No requirements or recommendations were made at this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2800095 5

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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: 2800095 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Integral Care Group Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 1st Formations Ltd, 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ

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Inspector

Jo Tarbie, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2800095 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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