Children's home run by Four Branches Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2790147 1 Registered provider: Four Branches Limited

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned and is registered to provide care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in July 2024.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

There were three children living in the home at the time of this inspection.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

p.1

outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

p.1

outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

p.1

outstanding

Date of last inspection: 30 October 2024

p.1

outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2790147 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/10/2024 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2790147 3

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

All the children living at the home spoke about their experiences. They said living at the home is great and has helped them. One child said staff helped them become more confident by encouraging healthy habits and setting a good example. Because of this, the child’s well-being and confidence have improved.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children are making exceptional progress. Staff help them overcome challenges that have made life difficult. They support children in reconnecting with people who can help, and act as strong role models for children to learn from. When one child first moved in, they would not speak to a professional without displaying aggression. The same child has since been able to share their wishes and feelings in a meeting, remaining calm.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff have a strong understanding of each child’s needs and work closely with therapeutic clinicians to provide the right support. This is done through structured therapeutic plans that are regularly reviewed and tailored to each child. These plans are effective, and professionals have praised the care provided. One external professional said, ‘I was unsure about the child moving into residential care, but the high quality of support and the positive changes in the child removed any doubts.’

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

All the children are involved in education, whether at school or through other learning. If problems arise, staff assist children in resolving them. One child who had not been in school for a long time now attends school full time. They have high attendance and are doing very well. Another child who missed much of their education is now joining in activities with staff.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The manager and staff value learning for themselves and the children. They keep up with research on many topics and use it in different ways to help children. Staff are always looking to improve by asking questions, getting more training and learning how to better support children. This means the team is always growing and is highly skilled, which benefits the children.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children build strong relationships with staff. One child said staff always speak to them with respect. This respectful approach helps children who have struggled to trust adults before. As a result, children feel comfortable with staff and often stay in touch with them after leaving the home.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff help children spend time with people who matter to them, encouraging family visits and planning time together in the community. This helps children enjoy quality time with loved ones. One parent said, ‘My child has done great since moving to the home. They are focusing on school, becoming more mature, and I’m proud of what they are achieving.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2790147 4 Children feel valued and know their rights, how to complain and where to get support. They feel settled, welcome and safe in the home. This is because staff work hard to make every child feel important.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children receive support when joining the home and when they move on. One social worker said, ‘When the young person moved on, the positive change was amazing. The child describes staff as being like brothers and appreciates how they always involved him in activities they enjoyed. Staff took the time to build a strong, trusting relationship with the child. This helped break down professional barriers in a healthy and supportive way, removing the stigma of being in care. The home made a lasting impact, and I would love to work with the home again.’

p.4

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

Children feel safe. The manager ensures children’s risk assessments and relevant plans are up to date and reviewed regularly. Children’s plans include current information that reflects children’s risks and needs. This means that children receive care which helps them stay safe. As a result, there are fewer incidents, and the home is settled. One child said, ‘This home is the calmest home I have been in.’

p.4

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

There have been no physical interventions. Staff are trained in the use of restraint; however, they are skilled at calming situations and try to understand why a child might be upset. Because of this, children are starting to talk more about how they feel. They trust that staff are there for them and can help them understand their emotions.

p.4

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

Staff work hard to understand children, from the first referral through to when they leave. Their planning and support match what the local authority wants for each child. Children feel that staff truly understand them.

p.4

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

Staff are positive role models for children. Children see staff leading by example and this encourages positive behaviour. Staff are good at having meaningful conversations with children, offering advice and support both in and out of the home. This helps children to have a voice, sharing their experiences and doing so with confidence.

p.4

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

Children are encouraged to try new activities and experiences, which helps them manage their emotions and behaviour in healthy ways. These activities give children new ways to cope with difficult situations, while boosting their self-esteem and well-being.

p.4

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

Children are listened to. Staff use professional advice, research and feedback from children to make a real difference to children’s lives. They set clear boundaries, use rewards and natural consequences and give children choices, helping children take responsibility for their actions, and this leads to children being proud of their progress. Inspection report for children’s home: 2790147 5

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager leads by example and works closely with the team, helping staff feel respected and supported. They recognise each person’s strengths and encourage them to take part in specialist training, which they share with the rest of the team to improve everyone’s skills.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff access full training when they start, including mandatory training and extra training based on the children’s needs. They look for new ways to help children and share what they learn across the team. This helps make sure all children receive consistent care.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff team is stable, remaining the same since the home opened. Many of the staff have worked together before, bringing their strong teamwork and shared values together to help create a stable, consistent and supportive environment for the children. This provides children with stability and familiarity, strengthening the progress they make.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager understands the journey and needs of each child. This is achieved through regular assessments and input from therapeutic consultants, ensuring that support plans are tailored and up to date. It is clear that children are highly valued, and the manager and staff take pride in helping children to succeed, taking into consideration the local authority plans.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager builds strong relationships with other professionals and encourages staff to take part in additional training provided by the local authority. This helps staff better understand the challenges children face in the local area. The manager also works closely with families, involving them in planning and decision-making to strengthen the care and support their child receives.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive regular supervision and attend monthly team meetings. This allows them time to reflect on their learning and practice. This supportive environment helps staff grow in confidence and skills. As a result, children are cared for by a knowledgeable and capable team who are well equipped to keep them safe.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

No requirements or recommendations were made at this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2790147 6

p.5

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: 2790147 7

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Four Branches Limited

p.7

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Greengate Business Centre, 2 Greengate Street, Oldham OL4 1FN

p.7

Inspector

Paul McKay-Smith, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2790147 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.

p.7

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 . 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.8

Inspector

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

p.8

Inspector

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

p.8