Children's Home run by Parallel Parents Ltd in Doncaster

Inspection report for children’s home: 2815441 1 OFSTED USE ONLY

p.1

Registered provider: Parallel Parents Ltd

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by a private provider. The home is registered to provide care for up to seven children with social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of inspection, two children were living in the home. Both children were spoken to as part of the inspection.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager first registered with Ofsted in January 2016 and is suitably skilled and qualified.

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: not previously inspected

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2815441 2 OFSTED USE ONLY

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to express their views and contribute to decisions about their daily lives. Staff provide regular opportunities for children to engage in meaningful discussions, both formally and informally. This inclusive approach helps children feel valued and listened to.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff help ensure that children’s views and opinions are shared with those working with them. Staff will advocate on behalf of the children and help them use a range of communication techniques to share their views and opinions.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to personalise their bedrooms and shared spaces, which promotes a sense of ownership and belonging within the home.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff work collaboratively with children to establish clear and consistent boundaries. Staff promote positive behaviour through praise and encouragement, and support children to develop strategies to manage their emotions and challenges. Children’s progress is closely monitored and celebrated, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Relationships between staff and children are warm and trusting, and children appear relaxed and comfortable in the home.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are prioritised. They are registered with local health services, including GPs, dentists and opticians. Staff have developed strong links with local health professionals, which supports children’s physical and emotional well-being. This ensures children receive timely and appropriate healthcare.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Education is prioritised within the home and staff are ambitious for the children to learn new skills and benefit from an education package tailored to meet their needs. Staff are ambitious and keen to help the children have a supportive and fulfilling timetable that encourages learning and growth. Progress at school helps enhance the children’s self- esteem and personal achievement.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Transitions into the home are well planned and sensitively managed. Children are supported to see the home and meet staff before admission, helping them feel welcomed and reassured. Welcome packs and high-quality furnishings contribute to a homely and nurturing environment. The home offers both communal and private spaces, allowing children to enjoy time with others while also having opportunities for privacy and reflection.

p.2

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

Staff receive regular and comprehensive safeguarding training, which equips them with the knowledge and skills to identify signs of risk and harm. They demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities in keeping children safe. A manager is available Inspection report for children’s home: 2815441 3 OFSTED USE ONLY

p.2

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

both during and outside core hours to provide guidance and support in response to any safeguarding concerns, ensuring that children’s welfare remains a priority.

p.3

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

Children benefit from positive and trusting relationships with staff. They are encouraged to share any worries or concerns, which helps them feel safe and emotionally supported. Staff are attuned to the individual needs of children and respond sensitively to any issues raised.

p.3

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

Staff have a good understanding of the risks associated with each child. Individual risk assessments are detailed, clear and regularly reviewed by the registered manager. These assessments provide staff with practical guidance on how to respond to specific situations, ensuring that children’s safety is consistently prioritised.

p.3

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

Staff undertake direct work with children to help them recognise unsafe situations and make informed decisions. Age-appropriate resources and tools are used to support children’s understanding of personal safety, including how to stay safe in the community. This work is effective in helping children develop awareness and resilience.

p.3

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

Physical intervention is only used when necessary to prevent harm and is carried out by staff trained in approved techniques. Incidents are clearly recorded and subject to robust management oversight to ensure that any intervention is proportionate and appropriate. Children are supported to discuss incidents and explore the underlying causes of their behaviour, which promotes reflection and understanding.

p.3

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

Staff deliver targeted sessions to help children understand the risks associated with internet use and mobile phones. These sessions are tailored to the child’s age and level of understanding, helping them to develop the skills needed to stay safe online.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is led by a suitably qualified and experienced registered manager who provides effective and consistent leadership. The manager has created a warm, welcoming and child-focused environment where children feel settled, happy and at ease. Children are encouraged to make full use of the home’s space, which contributes to their sense of comfort.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff report feeling well supported and valued by the manager and leaders. They receive bespoke training that equips them to meet the individual needs of the children in their care. The manager promotes a culture of continuous learning and development, ensuring that staff are confident and competent in their roles.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager maintains strong oversight of the care provided. They regularly monitor children’s progress and ensure that internal plans align with local authority care plans. This promotes consistency and clarity in the work undertaken with children and avoids duplication. Staff are clear about their responsibilities and the goals they are working towards. Inspection report for children’s home: 2815441 4 OFSTED USE ONLY

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Teamwork is a strength within the home. The manager fosters a collaborative approach, encouraging staff to take ownership of their practice and share good practice across the team. This contributes to a stable and consistent environment for children, where they feel cared for and safe.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The ethos of the home is child centred, with high aspirations for all children. Staff demonstrate a nurturing approach and use positive, respectful language when describing their work with children. Written records reflect a strong understanding of each child’s history and experiences, which informs the care provided and supports emotional well- being.

p.4

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: 2815441 5 OFSTED USE ONLY

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Parallel Parents Ltd

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2nd Floor Lansdowne House, 85 Buxton Road Heaviley, Buxton Road, Stockport SK2 6LR

p.5

Inspector

Lisa Richards, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2815441 6 OFSTED USE ONLY

p.5

Inspector

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.6

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 .

p.6

Inspector

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.6

Inspector

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

p.6

Inspector

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

p.6