Children's Home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 1 SC042967 Registered provider: Lincolnshire County Council

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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 owned and operated by a local authority. It is registered to provide care for up to six children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager’s post is vacant. A new manager has been appointed and has submitted their application to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, five children were living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The inspection started on 11 June 2025. The inspector returned on 3 September 2025 to gather additional evidence in line with Ofsted inspections and visits: deferring, pausing and gathering additional evidence policy.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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requires improvement to be good

How well children and young people are helped and protected requires improvement to be good

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requires improvement to be good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

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requires improvement to be good

The children’s home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

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requires improvement to be good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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requires improvement to be good

Enforcement action since last inspection: Following an inspection on 11 and 12 June 2025, Ofsted served a restriction of accommodation notice and three compliance notices under regulation 12, the protection of children standard, regulation 13, the Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 2 leadership and management standard, and regulation 35, behaviour management policies and records. Leaders and managers have now addressed the steps outlined in the compliance notices and the restriction of accommodation has been lifted. Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

05/06/2024 Full Good 09/05/2023 Full Outstanding 05/04/2022 Full Good 08/06/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 4

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improvement to be good

The inspector spent time with four of the children. This included individual discussions and participation in children’s group activities. One child was not present during the inspection, as they were with their family as part of a planned move.

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improvement to be good

Children generally make measured progress from their starting points and have positive experiences. However, there are weaknesses in managerial monitoring and risk management planning for children. Combined with staff training gaps, the overall quality of care has reduced since the last inspection.

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improvement to be good

Staff regularly review children’s placement plans. Children’s daily routines, preferences and health needs are considered. Children have identified targets to help them to work towards independence and life skills. However, the monitoring of these targets needs improvement. The number of practical sessions offered by staff is low and the depth of records related to children’s participation is variable. This makes children’s progress in this area sometimes unclear.

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improvement to be good

The home is generally well appointed and equipped to meet children’s needs and preferences. Bedrooms are spacious and personalised. However, some dining furniture is unstable, kitchen surfaces are worn, and damage to a rear entry door has not been promptly repaired. These issues detract from what is otherwise a welcoming home.

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improvement to be good

Children who were not previously in education have improved their levels of attendance and attainment. Staff work closely with school staff to address any barriers to learning that children experience. For one child receiving home tutoring, staff have ensured that additional support is in place, including targeted help with their learning and daily routines.

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improvement to be good

All children have access to an independent advocate. Staff actively listen and respond to children’s views, through regular meetings and one-to-one sessions. This approach ensures that children can meaningfully contribute to daily decision-making about their care.

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improvement to be good

Staff develop warm and trusting relationships with children. Children provided positive feedback about the staff and said that they like spending time with them.

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improvement to be good

Leaders and managers have recently introduced appointment trackers for children. This has improved staff oversight of scheduled health appointments. For one child, staff have provided effective support to help them overcome their anxieties around attending a dental appointment. Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 5 Since the last inspection, one child has moved into the home, and one child has moved out. Each of these moves was thoughtfully planned and supported.

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improvement to be good

Children’s risk management plans do not always identify clear strategies to manage all known risks for children. There are gaps in guidance around when medical attention may be necessary following incidents of self-harm. Furthermore, leaders and managers have not ensured that written strategies are in place for staff responding to children who go missing during the night. On one occasion, staff did not respond effectively when children went missing from the home. The absence of clear guidance increases the potential for further inconsistent staff responses to children’s risks in these areas.

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improvement to be good

Consequences are used infrequently as part of a broader approach to behaviour management. While these measures may be proportionate, the manager’s oversight of their use requires improvement. Current records do not demonstrate the extent to which staff have used alternative strategies. Additionally, when children’s views are obtained, there is no documented follow-up or review of the measures used.

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improvement to be good

There has been an overall reduction in the use of restraint for children since the last inspection. However, when restraint has been necessary, significant shortfalls were identified in the monitoring, recording and analysis of these interventions. If left unaddressed, these shortfalls have the potential to increase the risk of harm to children. In response to these concerns, leaders and managers commissioned an independent review with the local authority designated officer (LADO). Several areas for learning were identified. Since this time, staff have used de-escalation strategies more effectively, resulting in recent incidents being managed without the need for restraint.

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improvement to be good

Safe recruitment processes for permanent staff are suitable. Leaders and managers ensure that the use of agency staff is minimal. However, when agency staff are used, leaders and managers do not seek full written confirmation from the agency that all the required checks have been carried out. This could lead to unsuitable people working at the home.

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improvement to be good

There are occasions when staff act appropriately in response to children’s self-harm, incidents of going missing and when they are in emotional distress. Children say they feel safer, and over time, are more equipped to manage their emotions.

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improvement to be good

Staff respond proactively to children’s use of e-cigarettes. They offer appropriate advice and support, including referrals to cessation services. Clear boundaries are consistently implemented, and as a result, children’s use of e-cigarettes has recently decreased.

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improvement to be good

Leaders and managers suitably respond to allegations of harm made against staff. This includes referrals to the LADO and completing appropriate investigations. Children are provided with feedback on the outcomes of concerns raised. Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 6

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The registered manager post has been vacant since March 2025. The previous deputy manager has been appointed to manage the home and has applied to register with Ofsted. They are supported by a senior manager, responsible individual and a newly appointed deputy manager. This leadership structure is starting to provide more stability following a period of change. Leaders and managers have a clear understanding of the improvements still required in the quality of care provided. Plans are in place to address these areas.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Managers have failed to promptly identify and address several training gaps for staff. While some recent action has been taken, including the scheduling of further training courses, significant gaps remain. These include training for physical intervention practice, responding to self-harm, safeguarding children, and understanding the home’s model of care and support. Furthermore, two members of staff who should have achieved the level 3 diploma for residential childcare have not completed this qualification within the required time frame. Combined with staff turnover and the presence of some less- experienced staff, this does not ensure that all staff have the necessary skills to meet children’s individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Notifications of serious incidents have been submitted to Ofsted; however, there have been significant delays on occasions. This has reduced the regulator’s oversight of safeguarding arrangements on these occasions.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Staff say they feel supported by leaders and managers. Staff receive regular formal supervision and annual appraisals and attend planned team meetings.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Following a recent practice review, leaders and managers have introduced improvements to strengthen areas of their oversight. This includes more effective monitoring of staff rosters and children’s behaviour and health plans. While still in their early stages, these systems are more likely to identify shortfalls and support prompt remedial action when needed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Leaders and managers champion children’s rights and ensure that decisions are well planned and in children’s best interests. This includes reducing medication for some children following multi-agency reviews and advocating for a child’s successful return home to their family.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Feedback from external professionals is consistently positive. Social workers, education staff, an independent advocate and a local community police officer report good levels of collaborative working and communication with leaders, managers and staff. Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 7

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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 protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, leaders and managers must ensure that children’s risk management plans are responsive to all known risks and contain clear guidance for staff to follow to reduce these risks. 10 October 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 that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

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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. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(c))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, leaders and managers must ensure that all staff are offered and attend training in using physical interventions, responding to self-harm, safeguarding children and understanding the therapeutic approach outlined in the home’s model of support. 10 October 2025 Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 8 For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), an individual who works in the home in a care role has the appropriate qualification if, by the relevant date, the individual has attained—

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Requirement Due date

the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) (“the Level 3 Diploma”); or a qualification which the registered person considers to be equivalent to the Level 3 Diploma.

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Requirement Due date

in the case of an individual who starts working in a care role in a home after 1st April 2014, the date which falls 2 years after the date on which the individual started working in a care role in a home; or

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Requirement Due date

in the case of an individual who was working in a care role in a home on 1st April 2014, 1st April 2016 (Regulation 32 (4)(a)(b) (5)(a)(b)) 31 October 2025

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the home is decorated and maintained to a consistently good standard throughout the accommodation. Any damage sustained should be promptly repaired. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)  The registered person should ensure that staff support each child in preparing for adult care or independent living. The depth and monitoring of staff’s support for developing children’s independence should be systematically reviewed and strengthened where necessary. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 17, paragraph 3.27)  The registered person should ensure that all incidents of control and discipline are subject to systems of regular scrutiny. In particular, the use of de-escalation strategies or any alternative strategies should be clearly documented, and the effectiveness of

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Recommendations

the measure should be reviewed. (‘Guide to Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph 9.36)  The registered person should maintain good employment practice that safeguards children and minimises potential risk to them. In particular, they should ensure that written confirmation of all schedule 2 checks for agency staff are assessed prior to their deployment. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1)  The registered person should have a system in place so that all serious events are notified, within 24 hours, to the appropriate people. (‘Guide to Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 63, paragraph 14.13) Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 9

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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: SC042967 10

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Lincolnshire County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL

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Inspector

Mark Anderton, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC042967 11 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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