Children's home run by Bayleaf Care Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2844955 1 Registered provider: Bayleaf Care Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned and provides care for up to two children with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities. At the time of this inspection, one child was living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in July 2025. This was the first inspection after registration. The registered manager resigned shortly after the home was registered. An acting manager has been in post since August 2025 and is not yet registered with Ofsted. They hold a leadership and management qualification.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2844955 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager left shortly after the home was registered. Leaders have taken appropriate action to appoint an acting manager while recruitment for a permanent manager is sourced. The new manager is committed and has high expectations of staff.

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Findings from the inspection

One child recently experienced a well-planned and child-centred move into the home. The child visited beforehand, and staff took time to build relationships and understand their individual needs. This thoughtful approach supported a smooth transition and helped establish positive relationships, contributing to the child’s sense of safety and belonging.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers and staff speak positively and with enthusiasm about the child, showing high hopes for their development. Interactions between the child and staff are caring and nurturing. Staff understand the child’s communication needs. They have introduced visual supports to help the child express choices around food and activities. This enables the child to have their voice heard when making everyday decisions.

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Findings from the inspection

An appropriate education placement has been identified for the child. Clear plans are in place to support their learning, and a suitable transition is being arranged to help the child to adjust.

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Findings from the inspection

There have been no physical interventions, missing-from-home incidents or safeguarding concerns. Staff are confident in their safeguarding responsibilities and understand the whistle-blowing process. This helps to create an environment that keeps children safe.

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Findings from the inspection

There is a stable staff team caring for the child. Induction processes are effective, and staff spoke positively about the training and support they receive. This helps staff to feel valued and confident in their role.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive training relevant to their roles and the child’s needs. However, the manager has not identified the need for training on the safe use of vehicle harnesses and reins, resulting in staff lacking confidence and competence in using the equipment safely. Additionally, some staff have not completed their qualification within expected timescales. Managers have not taken sufficient action to ensure that staff’s progress towards their relevant qualification is monitored.

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Findings from the inspection

Safer recruitment processes are not always implemented fully. There has been a lack of professional curiosity during one person’s recruitment checks when receiving references. This could lead to unsuitable individuals looking after children. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2844955 3

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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 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;

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Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(c)(h))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person should ensure that staff have the training and skills to safely use specialist equipment, such as vehicle harnesses and reins for children.

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Requirement Due date

This also relates to ensuring that staff hold or are working towards the relevant qualifications and that progress is monitored and reviewed to avoid delays in achieving qualifications within expected timescales. 16 October 2025

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety.

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Requirement Due date

employ an individual to work at the children’s home; or

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Requirement Due date

if an individual is employed by a person other than the registered person to work at the home in a position in which 16 October 2025 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2844955 4 the individual may have regular contact with children, allow that individual to work at the home,

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Requirement Due date

if the individual satisfies the requirements in paragraph (3).

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Requirement Due date

full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. (Regulation 32 (1) (2)(a)(b) (3)(d))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that they satisfy themselves that referees represent former employers. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2844955 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Bayleaf Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 7 Bankside, The Watermark, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 9SY

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Inspector

Kirsty Truesdale, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2844955 6 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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