Children's Home run by Friends Together Care Homes Ltd in Doncaster

Inspection report for children's home: 1232650 1 Registered provider: Friends Together Care Homes 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

This home is run by a private provider. It provides care for up to three children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2020.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, three children were living in this home. Two children were spoken to during the inspection.

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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: 1232650 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

27/08/2024 Full Good 08/08/2023 Full Good 03/10/2022 Full Good 12/10/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: 1232650 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff have warm and nurturing relationships with children. Two children were spoken to during the inspection and provided positive feedback about their experiences of living in the home and the care they receive. Staff invest time in getting to know the children. Children identify a trusted adult who they can share their concerns with. This makes children feel safe and cared for.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff are skilled at capturing children’s voices in relation to their plans and about all aspects of living in the home. Staff speak to children about any concerns or risks and these are revisited and reinforced by staff when required. Children are encouraged to personalise their own bedrooms and contribute to decisions about food and activities within the home. This makes children feel that their views are important and their wishes are taken into account.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff thoughtfully and sensitively plan for children’s moves into the home or when moving on from the home. Children benefit from planned introductions including pre- admission visits. Staff have recently supported a child to move out of the home. They ensured that plans were clear, with timescales and a support package that made the child feel safe and supported as part of the move. Staff have remained in contact and are on hand to offer advice when required.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff regularly liaise with education providers, and they have high aspirations for the children. Staff work hard with other professionals to support children to attend school. All three children have made progress and staff continue to celebrate their achievements and reward success. Professionals commended the registered manager as an ‘exceptional advocate’ who challenges strongly to help children to achieve high standards.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff promote children’s cultural identity, faith, and language in line with their care plans. Children are supported to explore and express their beliefs, with one child regularly attending church. Cultural exploration is embedded in the home’s routines, including themed meals and celebrations that foster understanding and inclusion.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff understand how important family and friendships are to children and they go the extra mile to support and promote these relationships. Family members are regularly consulted and updated about children’s progress. Family members are encouraged to spend time in the home.

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

Children are kept safe through robust safeguarding practices and a proactive, child- centred approach to risk management. When risks are identified, managers and staff promptly share information with relevant professionals and engage children in open Inspection report for children's home: 1232650 4 discussions to help them understand and manage these risks. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated following incidents, ensuring that all staff are informed to respond appropriately.

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

Incidents of children going missing are rare. Physical interventions have not been used within the home. Nevertheless, staff are well-trained in restraint practice and demonstrate a clear understanding of de-escalation techniques tailored to individual children’s needs. Positive behaviour is consistently promoted, and children are rewarded for their achievements, contributing to a calm and supportive environment.

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

Staff take a proactive approach to educating children about online safety. They engage children in reflective conversations about internet and mobile phone use, helping them to identify potential risks and empowering them to take steps to protect themselves. This preventative work supports children’s independence while maintaining their safety.

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

The registered manager has cultivated strong, collaborative relationships with professionals and is recognised as a confident and effective advocate for children. Their willingness to challenge practice and promote high standards has led to improved outcomes and a strong sense of achievement among children.

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

Leadership within the home is dynamic and research informed. The registered manager shares evidence-based practice with staff through team meetings and virtual sessions, ensuring that staff are equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to support children effectively. This commitment to continuous learning and reflective practice enhances the quality of care and contributes to the children’s positive experiences and progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is driven to deliver high standards of care, is child-focused and reflective in their practice. Staff admire the manager’s positivity, high expectations and desire for the best for the children in their care. Professionals commented on their strong leadership and relentless advocacy.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Children speak warmly of the registered manager, describing them as ‘great’ and ‘always caring.’ This reflects the compassionate and consistent care provided by the manager and the team, which contributes to the children’s sense of safety and belonging.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive excellent support from the registered manager through regular and supportive supervision. they speak about children, their plans, wider work priorities and personal reflection. Training is delivered to ensure staff have the skills to care for the children who are currently living in the home. Staff are suitably qualified, and the manager uses national learning and research to develop their practice and that of the team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager maintains strong oversight of all aspects of the home, including care planning, health and safety, and staff development. Monthly audits are Inspection report for children's home: 1232650 5 commissioned to monitor key areas, and any identified learning or shortfalls are swiftly addressed. These audits are shared with staff, fostering a culture of transparency and collective responsibility.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The independent visitor conducts monthly visits. The manager acts on these recommendations to drive improvements quickly. However, consultation with children’s families is limited. This would strengthen feedback mechanisms and ensure that family voices remain central to the home’s development. Inspection report for children's home: 1232650 6

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

When the independent person is carrying out a visit, the registered person must help the independent person—

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Requirement Due date

if they consent, to interview in private such of the children, their parents, relatives and persons working at the home as the independent person requires; (Regulation 44 (1) (2)(a)). 26 September 2025

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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: 1232650 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Friends Together Care Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 7 Tenter Lane, Warmsworth, Doncaster DN4 9PP

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Thomas Worthington

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Inspector

Lisa Richards, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 1232650 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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