Children's Home run by Parallel Parents Ltd in Staffordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2747256 1 Registered provider: Parallel Parents Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for up to three children who may have social or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home and spoke with the inspector. Since the last inspection, one child has moved into the home and another has moved out.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in December 2023 and is suitably experienced.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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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: 2747256 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

Children’s initial experiences at the home have included travelling in a motorhome with staff and participating in enjoyable activities. These experiences are consistent with the home’s assessment model of care and help children to build trust and connection with staff. Staff demonstrate skill in forming meaningful relationships, and children benefit from the support of adults who know them well. This enables children to settle quickly.

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Findings from the inspection

The child currently living in the home spoke positively about their experiences. They said they feel safe and enjoy living in the home. They described it as a ‘good home’ and said they like the staff and feel listened to.

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Findings from the inspection

Children benefit from a wide range of activities that enhance their experience of living at the home, including visits to theme parks, paddleboarding, mountain biking and fishing. These opportunities promote enjoyment and help children to develop confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, the manager has led improvements to the home environment. The home is well maintained and thoughtfully designed to meet children’s needs. Children benefit from access to a games room, football goals and a basketball hoop, as well as several areas for relaxation. The manager’s ongoing plans to enhance the environment demonstrate a clear commitment to creating a warm and welcoming space.

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Findings from the inspection

Incidents are managed well. Children’s plans and risk assessments provide staff with clear guidance on how to keep children safe. One child who was previously at high risk of going missing from care has not had any such incidents since moving into the home. Other risks have also reduced for children during their time at the home. This demonstrates that the home’s approach to managing risk is effective and contributes to keeping children safe.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager speaks with children and staff following incidents to reflect and identify any concerns. He also completes evaluations to assess whether the actions taken were appropriate. However, these evaluations do not always capture all learning, and other monitoring systems have missed some areas for improvement. As a result, some opportunities to improve practice have been missed.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is dedicated to the children, staff and the home. He works effectively with external professionals to support positive outcomes for children. A social worker described communication with the manager and staff as ‘brilliant’ and said that staff are invested in the child’s progress. This strong partnership working helps children receive consistent and well-coordinated support. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2747256 3 Staff receive training that is tailored to the needs of the children they care for. As a result, staff understand their roles and responsibilities and are well prepared to meet children’s individual needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive regular supervision and report feeling well supported. One staff member described the manager as approachable and said they feel comfortable speaking to him when they need support. This helps staff feel confident in their roles and contributes to a stable and caring environment for children. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2747256 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

06/05/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 09/04/2024 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2747256 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 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 promotes their welfare.

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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

understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home.

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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.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that evaluations after incidents identify all learning, and that monitoring and review systems are effective and drive further improvements in the home. 3 December 2025 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2747256 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Parallel Parents Ltd

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Laura Norcop, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2747256 7 regulates 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 looked-after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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