Children's home run by Bayleaf Care Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2781144 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

The home registered with Ofsted in August 2024 and is owned and operated by a private provider. It offers care for up to three children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2024.

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Inspection date: 17 September 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 17 September 2025

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspectors have 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: 2781144 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 during this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home. Two children had moved out the previous day into another home operated by the same provider. This was a planned transition; the children had visited their new home on several occasions and were actively involved in preparing their bedrooms. There are currently no plans to admit new children to the home. This decision has been made collaboratively between the home and the placing authority.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have reflected on the shortfalls identified at the previous inspection. Monitoring systems have been strengthened to improve the manager’s oversight of the home. These systems have been effective in identifying areas where practice requires development. However, there remain inconsistencies in how staff implement learning. For example, when children make allegations, staff’s responses are not always consistent, and delays in reporting to the appropriate individuals have occurred.

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Findings from the inspection

Behaviour management plans and risk assessments provide staff with guidance on how to support children when they experience emotional distress or behavioural challenges. Staff use the PACE model of care to de-escalate situations and support children effectively. Physical interventions have sometimes been used to reduce and manage risks. Following such incidents, staff and children routinely participate in debriefs, which offer opportunities to reflect and deepen understanding of the child’s needs. Children receive weekly therapy sessions with an in-house therapist, who also provides consultation to the staff team in line with the home’s statement of purpose. This therapeutic input offers emotional support to children and enhances staff’s understanding of their emotional needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Relationships between children have, at times, been strained, resulting in incidents that have caused distress. While staff have often responded effectively to de- escalate behaviours, this has not always been the case, and some incidents have negatively impacted children’s experiences of living in the home. Leaders and managers have addressed these concerns through broader care planning, which led to the decision to relocate two children to a different home.

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Findings from the inspection

Action has been taken to improve the home environment. The home is now comfortable and welcoming, with several areas for children to enjoy. Children’s bedrooms are in good condition. The home has introduced chickens, ducks and a rabbit, reflecting the child’s personal interests. Staff support the child in caring for the animals, which promotes enjoyment and helps develop a sense of responsibility.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have been encouraged to attend health appointments, including dental check-ups. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2781144 3 Staff promote access to education. Children’s education, health and care plans have been reviewed, and staff have escalated concerns when necessary. When one child expressed dissatisfaction with their educational provision, staff worked collaboratively with the child’s multi-agency team to explore alternative options. A bespoke education plan, incorporating animal care, has been developed for delivery in the home by a tutoring team. This reflects a child-centred approach and supports positive learning experiences.

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Findings from the inspection

Two of the requirements and the recommendation raised at the previous inspection have been met. A third requirement has been partially met and has therefore been restated. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2781144 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

08/04/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 15/10/2024 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2781144 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 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

manage relationships between children to prevent them from harming each other;

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Requirement Due date

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

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Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(vi))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that staff have clear guidance to manage peer conflict and keep children safe. Allegations against staff must be responded to promptly, with information shared appropriately and external oversight initiated without delay.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement is restated. 31 December Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2781144 6

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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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Inspectors

Becky Rutter, Social Care Inspector Helen Dunn, Social Care Inspection Manager Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2781144 7 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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