Children's home run by Physis Quantum Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2585407 1 Registered provider: Physis Quantum Limited

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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 privately owned. It is registered to provide care for up to four children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager left in January 2025. The new manager is registered with Ofsted.

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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 good

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good

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

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2585407 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/07/2024 Full Good 27/06/2023 Full Good 18/07/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 27/10/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2585407 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Three children currently live in the home and four have moved on. All three children spoke with the inspector and expressed that they feel cared for by staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are welcomed into the home with sensitivity and warmth. Thorough planning takes place prior to admission, enabling the manager to carefully assess whether the home can meet each child’s individual needs. Staff work proactively to help children live together harmoniously. Relationships between children and staff are positive and meaningful, and children also enjoy strong peer relationships.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are in good physical health and access local universal health services. In addition, specialist in-house clinical support is available when needed. This provides emotional support and helps children to develop strategies to manage their feelings. The clinical team also works closely with staff to enhance their understanding of children’s behaviours, enabling them to respond in a therapeutic and informed manner.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Leaders and staff place a high value on education. All children attend the provider’s school and are supported to engage in learning shortly after moving into the home. Despite varied starting points, all children have made progress. Staff celebrate children’s achievements and provide consistent encouragement. Children told the inspector they particularly enjoyed attending the end-of-year school prom.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff actively promote the development of children’s independence skills, tailored to each child’s age and individual needs. These skills are designed to support children both now and in the future. Children’s views and preferences are respected. They are supported to participate in activities of their choice, which helps them to build social confidence. Children with a love of animals have been encouraged to take part in voluntary work at a local dogs’ home and horse stables.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff are committed to ensuring that children feel comfortable and included. The home is warmly decorated, with children’s artwork proudly displayed. There are several calm spaces where children can relax and speak with their families by phone. The kitchen and main lounge offer pleasant environments for group socialising and cooking. Children’s bedrooms are personalised and comfortably furnished, with family photographs displayed, contributing to a homely and nurturing atmosphere.

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

All children said that they feel safe in the home and know how to make a complaint if they need to. Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the risks associated with each child and implement effective strategies to keep them safe. Inspection report for children’s home: 2585407 4 Staff use children’s preferred methods of communication to engage with them, particularly during times of distress. For example, when children are unable or unwilling to verbalise their feelings, staff initiate conversations using written notes. This sensitive approach helps children to feel heard and supported. Staff have also sought consultation with the clinical team to enhance their responses to children who display self-injurious behaviours.

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

Advice from the clinical team is acted on promptly and consistently, ensuring that staff responses are therapeutic and effective in managing risk. Children’s personal plans are comprehensive and regularly reviewed. This provides staff with up-to-date guidance on emerging needs and clear instructions to safeguard children appropriately.

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

Incidents of children going missing from the home are well managed in line with the protocols outlined in individual risk assessments. Staff take proactive steps to notify relevant agencies and actively search for children until they return safely. Records of these incidents are detailed and demonstrate the persistent efforts of staff to protect children.

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

Children’s views are actively sought and valued by both staff and managers. They are given regular opportunities to express themselves through direct work and monthly meetings. These forums allow children to celebrate achievements, reflect on recent events and explore ways to keep themselves safe. Such opportunities also help children to develop important communication skills and learn how to manage differing opinions constructively.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is new to the role and holds suitable qualifications. They have a clear and ambitious vision for children to succeed and receive high-quality care. The manager and deputy managers bring a range of skills that positively contribute to the day-to-day running of the home. Together, they foster an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes positive group living.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Children benefit from care provided by a stable and committed staff team who work diligently to build meaningful relationships. The manager demonstrates confidence in challenging poor practice in a respectful and constructive manner. Staff report that the manager is approachable, supportive and promotes a culture of openness.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Management oversight is strong. Systems for review are robust and enable shortfalls to be identified and addressed in a timely way. Leaders are enthusiastic about continuous improvement, which is evident in the regular and detailed audits undertaken. A comprehensive home development plan is in place, reflecting high aspirations for the ongoing development of both the home and the staff team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

New staff are recruited safely and receive a thorough induction. This includes relevant training and shadowing experienced colleagues to prepare them for their role. Team Inspection report for children’s home: 2585407 5 meetings are interactive and promote reflective discussion, which frequently leads to improvements in practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Feedback from external professionals is consistently positive. They commend the quality of communication from staff and the trusted relationships formed with children. Professionals also highlight the good care provided, which has contributed to children making meaningful progress. Inspection report for children’s home: 2585407 6

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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: 2585407 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Physis Quantum Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: D P C Chartered Accountants, Stone House, 55 Stone Road Business Park, Stoke-on-trent, Staffordshire ST4 6SR

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Stephanie Macdonald-Purcell

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Inspector

Latoya Morgan, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2585407 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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