Children's Home run by Rising Star Homes Limited in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for children's home: 2664086 1 Registered provider: Rising Star Homes Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private provider. It is registered to provide care for one child who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, there was one child living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has applied to register 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: 2664086 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/06/2024 Full Good 18/03/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 28/03/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: 2664086 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff demonstrate a strong understanding of the child’s individual needs and are committed to providing a stable and nurturing home environment. The child is encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that promote independence and broaden their interests. These opportunities have helped the child develop greater confidence and self-esteem.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have high aspirations for the child and work collaboratively with education providers to ensure a positive and tailored learning experience. The child engages well with their tutor and has made notable progress both socially and academically. As a result, the child has secured a place in an education setting, which has further boosted their confidence and sense of achievement.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home environment is warm, welcoming and child focused. Communal areas are well maintained and inviting, and the child’s personal space is respected and personalised. Photos displayed throughout the home reflect positive experiences, including activities and holidays, contributing to a sense of belonging and identity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child enjoys good health and is registered with a local doctor, dentist and optician. Staff support the child to attend regular appointments and tailor support to meet the child’s individual needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Relationships between the child and staff are positive and meaningful. Staff consistency and low turnover contribute to the child’s sense of stability and security. Clear boundaries and routines are in place, promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation. Where needed, specialist support is accessed to help the child manage their behaviour effectively. Professionals report significant progress since the child moved into the home.

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

The child’s behaviour continues to show sustained improvement. When incidents do occur, they are managed sensitively and in a well-coordinated manner. Staff use de-escalation techniques effectively, which helps the child feel safe, supported and understood.

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

Physical interventions are rarely required, and staff are appropriately trained in restraint procedures should they be necessary. The use of calm, respectful language throughout the home contributes to a settled atmosphere where the child feels listened to and valued.

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

Risks associated with the child’s behaviour are clearly identified and closely monitored. Regular key-work sessions provide the child with a safe space to explore any worries or Inspection report for children's home: 2664086 4 concerns. These sessions also address specific areas of risk, helping to reduce vulnerability and the potential for exploitation.

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

Staff benefit from regular supervision and ongoing training, including access to specialist consultation. This enables them to tailor their approach and maintain consistency in their interactions with the child. Team meetings are held frequently, allowing staff to reflect on practice and explore emerging risks. Time spent with an external psychotherapist further enhances the team’s understanding of the child’s emotional and behavioural needs.

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

Following any incident, the child is supported to reflect on the event and discuss their feelings. This restorative approach encourages the child to consider alternative strategies and promotes emotional growth. Information is shared promptly with relevant professionals to ensure a coordinated response.

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

A bedroom door alarm is used to monitor the child’s movements during the night. However, the use of this monitoring equipment has not been regularly reviewed with the child or the professionals involved in their care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is new to the home but has quickly established effective oversight of the child’s care and progress. Regular reviews of activity and outcomes ensure that the child’s needs remain central to practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has invested time in building a relationship with the child and has developed a clear understanding of their care plan, personality and preferences. This insight enables the manager to ensure that care is tailored to the child’s individual needs and promotes positive development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Strong working relationships have been established with professionals involved in the child’s care. Information is shared in a timely and coordinated manner, supporting a consistent and joined-up approach. The manager has supported staff in setting meaningful targets for the child, which has helped them to develop new skills and increase their independence.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Training, development and induction processes are well structured and effective. Staff benefit from ongoing learning opportunities that enhance their practice. However, not all staff have achieved the required level 3 qualification, despite having worked at the home for over two years.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager completes the required six-monthly quality of care review. However, the current report lacks clear analysis and does not sufficiently reflect the views of others or provide a forward-looking plan for the child’s continued progress. Strengthening this process would enhance the home’s ability to evaluate impact and plan effectively for the future. Inspection report for children's home: 2664086 5

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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, 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.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person may only use devices for the monitoring or surveillance of children if—

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Requirement Due date

the monitoring or surveillance is for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child concerned, or other children;

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Requirement Due date

the monitoring or surveillance is no more intrusive than necessary, having regard to the child’s need for privacy. (Regulation 24 (1)(a)(d))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the need for and use of bedroom door alarms should be individually assessed and kept under review. 26 September 2025

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child. (Regulation 13 (1) (2)(c)(d))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, all staff in a care role, including external agency or bank staff, must have the qualification in regulation 32(4) within the relevant timescale. 31 October 2025

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must complete a review of the quality of care provided for children (“a quality of care review”) at least once every 6 months. 28 November 2025 Inspection report for children's home: 2664086 6 In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating—

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Requirement Due date

the quality of care provided for children;

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Requirement Due date

the feedback and opinions of children about the children’s home, its facilities and the quality of care they receive in it; and

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Requirement Due date

any actions that the registered person considers necessary in order to improve or maintain the quality of care provided for children.

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Requirement Due date

After completing a quality of care review, the registered person must produce a written report about the quality of care review and the actions which the registered person intends to take as a result of the quality of care review (“the quality of care review report”). Regulation 45 (1) (2)(a)(b)(c) (3))

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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: 2664086 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Rising Star Homes Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 9 Realgar Court, Sittingbourne ME10 5JZ

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Hazvinei Manyonga

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Inspector

Lisa Richards, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2664086 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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