Children's Home run by Motivations Activity Projects Ltd in Sandwell

Inspection report for children’s home: SC457013 1 SC457013 Registered provider: Motivations Activity Projects Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a private company and provides care for up to three children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2023 and holds appropriate qualifications. He is also registered to manage another home operated by the organisation.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: 14 January 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC457013 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/01/2025 Full Good 18/11/2019 Full Good 29/08/2018 Full Good 22/01/2018 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home: SC457013 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

All three children spoke with the inspector.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, three children have moved into the home, and one has moved out. Children are settled and are making clear progress from their starting points. Staff provide consistent emotional and practical support, which helps children feel safe, secure and valued. Progress is evident in areas such as emotional regulation, education and social development.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are well supported as they prepare for independence. Staff are proactive in helping them develop essential life skills to support their journey into adulthood. Through structured and personalised work, children learn about budgeting, self-care, employment and staying safe. Staff also encourage children to take responsibility for themselves and others, fostering resilience and maturity. This comprehensive approach equips children with the knowledge and confidence needed for successful independent living.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from a nurturing and emotionally supportive environment where their daily experiences are positively reinforced. Their achievements are celebrated, regardless of size or significance. Each child has a dedicated book in which staff record affirming messages and highlights from the day. This practice helps children reflect on positive moments and promotes emotional resilience. The consistent evening routine of staff writing to children enhances their sense of security and connection, helping them go to bed with comforting and encouraging thoughts.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff team is both capable and committed, demonstrating a high level of dedication to meeting the needs of children. Staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure that children feel safe, supported and valued. Their proactive approach, strong teamwork and pride in children’s achievements contribute to creating a nurturing and aspirational culture in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children actively participate in a wide range of engaging activities, and they express genuine enjoyment. Their views are captured in various ways, including visual documentation and feedback. This contributes to their emotional well-being and supports their development through meaningful experiences.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is exceptionally warm, welcoming and thoughtfully maintained. It provides a nurturing and homely atmosphere that promotes emotional security, stability and a strong sense of belonging. The space is highly personalised, with children’s photos proudly displayed throughout. This not only celebrates their identity and achievements, but it also reinforces their value and importance in the home. Inspection report for children’s home: SC457013 4

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

Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities and consistently apply safe working practices. For example, when children ask staff to keep a secret, it is sensitively explained that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed and that any concerns will be shared with the registered manager and social worker to ensure each child’s safety and well-being. This transparent approach helps children understand expectations, and, as a result, they feel able to disclose significant information about previous experiences. Staff provide appropriate reassurance and support, further strengthening the trusting relationships that underpin effective safeguarding in the home.

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

Staff are proactive in monitoring children’s mobile phone use, which has been effective in identifying and addressing emerging concerns at an early stage. This vigilance is complemented by the home’s robust internet safety strategy, which supports children in using technology safely and responsibly. These measures contribute significantly to safeguarding children and promoting their well-being.

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

Staff help children understand decisions about their care that are made to keep them safe. Children are written to directly, with clear explanations of the strategies used to protect them. This transparent and sensitive approach helps children understand the reasons behind safeguarding measures and supports their sense of safety and trust in staff. It also demonstrates the home’s commitment to involving children in their care and ensuring that their voices are heard, even during challenging circumstances.

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

There have been no incidents of children going missing from home during this inspection period. However, staff have access to robust and comprehensive plans should such incidents occur. Each child has an individualised plan, ensuring that the staff are well prepared to respond promptly and effectively. The home also draws on guidance from local safeguarding partnership, statutory frameworks and research-informed reports, including those from scrutiny panels. This reflects a proactive and evidence-based approach to safeguarding, ensuring that staff are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and best practice to protect children should they go missing from care.

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

Staff have not always followed established guidance and the advice of senior leaders. On one occasion, this resulted in an incident that could have been avoided. The manager took appropriate steps to review practice, support the child involved and reinforce expectations with staff. This demonstrates a reflective approach and a commitment to continuous improvement in safeguarding and emotional support.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

A dedicated and skilled registered manager leads the home exceptionally well, with the support of an effective and cohesive leadership team. Leaders demonstrate a clear and ambitious vision for the home, underpinned by a strong commitment to high standards of care and continuous improvement. Their visible and supportive presence ensures that staff feel confident, well guided and empowered in their roles. This strong leadership Inspection report for children’s home: SC457013 5 fosters a positive and nurturing culture, which directly contributes to the consistently excellent outcomes achieved for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There is strong multi-agency working, with clear evidence of effective collaboration between staff, external professionals and partner agencies. When information is not readily forthcoming, staff relentlessly pursue it to fully understand and meet children’s needs. They place a strong focus on repairing children’s views of professionals and restoring trust in key relationships. This work is handled sensitively and effectively, helping children to re-engage with support networks and develop positive perceptions of those involved in their care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The home frequently receives positive feedback from external professionals regarding the quality of care provided. This reflects the strong working relationships between staff, external professionals and partner agencies, and it highlights the team’s consistent, child-centred approach. Professionals commend the proactive support offered to children, particularly in areas such as emotional well-being, preparation for independence and safeguarding.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager and deputy provide strong and effective oversight through regular audits, purposeful team meetings and strategic development planning. They respond swiftly to any issues identified, ensuring that learning is promptly shared and embedded across the team. This proactive and reflective approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability and ensures consistency across the team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Record-keeping in the home is extremely clear and well organised. Documentation is thorough, up to date and easily accessible, ensuring that staff have the information they need to provide consistent and effective care. This high standard of record-keeping supports robust safeguarding practice and contributes to positive outcomes for children. Inspection report for children’s home: SC457013 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them and follow advice and guidance provided by managers. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 42, paragraph 9.5)

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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: SC457013 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Motivations Activity Projects Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: St Matthews Business Centre, Duddeston Manor Road, Birmingham B7 4LZ

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Inspector

Tonia Dubidat, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC457013 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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