Children's Home run by Future In Mind Limited in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children’s home: SC063653 1 SC063653 Registered provider: Future In Mind Limited

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

A private provider operates this home. It provides care for up to two children who have experienced childhood instability, resulting in trauma and associated complex behaviours.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The suitably qualified and experienced manager registered with Ofsted in March 2020. She also manages another children’s home for the same organisation.

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 good

p.1

good

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

p.1

good

Date of last inspection: 21 October 2024

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC063653 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/10/2024 Full Good 04/03/2024 Full Good 01/02/2023 Full Good 11/05/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC063653 3

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child currently lives in the home and shared their experiences with the inspector. There have been no admissions or discharges since the last inspection, which has contributed to a settled environment. The provider has made the decision not to admit any new children at this time. This approach reflects a commitment to maintaining stability and prioritising the well-being of the child already living in the home.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from nurturing care. As a result, they make good progress. The child has lived in the home for nearly three years, and they gave their home a score of 10 out of 10. They said the staff are the best thing about their home.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s talents are recognised and celebrated. This creates a strong sense of self- worth. For example, the child’s impressive magic tricks are acknowledged and encouraged. This child-centred approach nurtures individual interests and helps children feel proud of who they are. As a result, the child’s confidence and sense of achievement are growing.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff understand the importance of positive relationships and promote safe and meaningful time with the child’s family. The child has recently reconnected with a family member, which is helping them to build emotional bonds and maintain their sense of identity.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Positive behaviour is promoted through consistent praise and rewards. Achievable incentive charts help the child to work towards their targets, such as keeping their bedroom tidy. These tools support the development of healthy daily routines, which in turn contribute to improved well-being.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Hobbies and interests are encouraged. Staff join in with activities the child enjoys, such as gaming and jumping on the trampoline. The child recently experienced their first holiday abroad and they are looking forward to a caravan holiday this summer. These positive and new experiences provide opportunities for fun and personal growth.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Independence is well promoted. The child is gaining lots of important life skills, such as preparing meals for themselves and others.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is clean and welcoming. The hallway features the child’s poems, fostering pride and belonging. The spacious garden includes a games room and trampoline, offering plenty of opportunities for play. The child has personalised their bedroom, promoting ownership and comfort. Minor maintenance issues, such as a ripped piece of wallpaper in the lounge, are scheduled for repair. Inspection report for children’s home: SC063653 4

p.3

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

The child feels safe in their home and identifies trusted adults they can speak to if they have any worries or concerns. Staff take the child’s disclosures seriously and respond with care and professionalism. Concerns raised by the child are explored in partnership with their social worker and the local authority designated officer, ensuring appropriate safety plans are agreed and followed.

p.4

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

The provider manages allegations well. However, they have not followed their own safeguarding policies, as they failed to notify Ofsted about five allegations made by the child, as required by regulations. This oversight has compromised the regulator’s ability to maintain full oversight of safeguarding practices within the home.

p.4

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

Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the child’s vulnerabilities and the risks they face. Risk assessments are thorough, and staff are guided by clear protocols to maintain safety. They are also alert to the risks associated with internet use and online gaming and have developed effective strategies to keep the child safe online. The child is supported to understand these risks and learn how to keep themselves safe.

p.4

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

High-quality direct work enables the child to develop a better understanding of acceptable behaviour. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, which has led to noticeable progress. The child is managing their emotions more effectively, becoming more aware of how their behaviour affects others, and making increasingly positive life choices.

p.4

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

Incidents are well managed using therapeutic approaches, and weekly sessions with the company therapist help the child process past trauma and build resilience for the future. Physical restraint is used infrequently and only as a last resort. When restraint is necessary, the child is supported to reflect on their experience. Learning from these incidents is shared to continually improve practice.

p.4

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

On four occasions, the child has gone missing from home. Staff respond appropriately in line with safety plans, working closely with the child’s family and professionals to locate them. When the child returns, they are warmly welcomed back, reinforcing a sense of belonging and emotional security.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is a reflective leader who demonstrates a clear understanding of the home’s strengths and areas for development. A range of monitoring tools and checks support her oversight of the child’s day-to-day care and all aspects of the home.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

She supports her team and values their contributions, which helps them feel confident in their roles. For example, when a staff member achieved a qualification, this was recognised with a gift and card. Staff describe her as visible and approachable, which contributes to a positive environment for children. Inspection report for children’s home: SC063653 5 Staff retention is high, and the consistent team means that the child receives care from familiar adults they know and trust. This stability supports the child’s emotional well- being and maintains secure relationships.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager works closely with the capable deputy manager to ensure that children receive consistent support. Leaders advocate effectively for children, confidently challenging external decisions when they are not in the child’s best interests. This helps children to feel safe, understood and well cared for.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Partnership working is a strength. Leaders and staff maintain positive relationships with external professionals and the child’s family members. Communication is described by one external professional as ‘brilliant’, and two of the child’s relatives confirmed they feel involved and regularly updated about the child’s care. This collaborative approach ensures that the child’s needs are well understood and met.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Training, induction and development activities are well coordinated, ensuring that staff receive learning opportunities tailored to the specific needs of the child. The training programme aligns with the home’s therapeutic ethos and supports a competent workforce. Monthly staff meetings provide space for reflection, idea-sharing and collaborative planning, contributing to continuous improvement.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders have taken effective action to address the one requirement and recommendation from the previous inspection. This demonstrates their ability to drive and sustain improvements that benefit children. Inspection report for children’s home: SC063653 6

p.5

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The 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.

p.6

Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

p.6

Requirement Due date

there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there. (Regulation 40 (4)(c)) 12 September 2025

p.6

Information about this inspection

The inspector has 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: SC063653 7

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Future In Mind Limited

p.7

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Future In Mind, 65 Market Street, Hednesford, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 1AD

p.7

Inspector

Amy Richards, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC063653 8 regulates and inspects to 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.7

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.8

Inspector

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

p.8

Inspector

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

p.8