Children's home run by Serenity Care Group Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2828991 1 Registered provider: Serenity Care Group Limited

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Two children were living in the home at the time of the inspection.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in April 2025.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This is the home’s first full inspection since it was registered with Ofsted in April 2025.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

p.1

good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

p.1

good

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

p.1

good

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2828991 2

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children say that they enjoy living in the home. They receive care from dedicated staff who are invested in their relationships with children. Children are supported by a diverse staff team who talk to children about their individuality. This has helped children to understand different cultures and regions, which broadens their understanding of the world they live in.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff prioritise children’s education. They work closely with schools and the local authority to identify barriers to children’s education and act when their engagement is being impacted. Staff help children with schoolwork in the home when they are not in full-time education while managers make arrangements for them to them return to school as soon as possible.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have fun living in this home. They have significant opportunities to participate in a range of clubs and activities, such as swimming lessons, martial arts and army cadets. Children recently went on a holiday together. This was well planned to ensure children were able to enjoy their time away. Children’s previous experiences are considered, and children are asked about their preferences when planning celebrations such as birthdays, while staff also help to inspire children with new ideas. Managers place a strong emphasis on children making meaningful memories.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have a range of ways to express their voice and wishes. They are happy to share their views because staff have demonstrated that they will act when they do. Children’s opinions and feedback are considered in the day-to-day running of the home and they are regularly consulted about decisions that will affect them. As a result, children learn that their thoughts are valued.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children learn age-appropriate independence skills, improving their ability to look after their own personal hygiene and giving them appropriate responsibility for their own well- being as well as minor household tasks. This has improved children’s self-esteem and confidence.

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have positive experiences of moving into the home. Their needs are well understood, and relevant information is considered prior to moving in. Children move at a pace that is suited to their needs and are kept informed about the plan to move.

p.2

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

Staff understand children’s individual emotional needs and know how to respond to help children have more positive experiences together. The plans staff use to help children are clear and frequently updated. As a result, children receive more consistent care and are learning to manage their relationships more independently. Inspection report for children’s home: 2828991 3 Staff work effectively with other specialist agencies, such as mental health services, to ensure children have effectively planned care and their needs are better understood. Staff have completed additional training so that they can deliver more therapeutic care. As a result, children are receiving care that better meets their needs.

p.2

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

Physical intervention is used only when necessary to keep children safe. Records of the use of restraint are detailed, and managers review incidents to identify further learning. However, the registered manager has not yet completed the relevant behaviour support training in line with organisational expectations. This limits her ability to have objective and informed scrutiny of incidents involving restraint. The effect of this is minimised by additional oversight by an accredited restraint training professional.

p.3

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

When children raise concerns about staff practice, immediate action is taken to protect children while further information is gathered. Managers work closely with safeguarding partners to ensure children’s views are independently captured and an appropriate response is agreed. When opportunities for learning are identified, managers share this with the wider team.

p.3

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

There is an emphasis on promoting positive behaviour. Children receive personalised rewards when they achieve milestones that are important to them. When behaviour is not as expected, the use of consequences is proportionate and focused on helping children to learn from their experiences.

p.3

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

Children are helped to stay safe online. Staff use internet safety features which are effective in preventing children’s access to inappropriate content. Staff work creatively with children to help them better understand how to use the internet in a positive way and how to keep themselves safe, for example by using age-appropriate resources to aid learning.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is appropriately qualified and experienced. She is ambitious about what children can achieve and experience. The registered manager clearly understands the progress that children make. She works effectively with children’s families and professionals to improve children’s outcomes. Feedback about the home from children’s families is complimentary.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager works collaboratively with the deputy managers to ensure that there is effective oversight of the home. Together, they have a good understanding of the home’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, leaders promptly address any shortfalls in records and support staff to develop the quality of their work when needed.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff speak positively about their experiences of working with the registered manager. One member of staff said: ‘She’s wonderful. She makes sure we have everything we need.’ Staff feel confident to raise any issues with the leadership team. Inspection report for children’s home: 2828991 4 The registered manager is well supported by senior leaders. The responsible individual and operations manager frequently visit the home, while the managing director regularly works directly with children. This helps leaders to better understand the challenges children face and identify any additional support or resources the registered manager may need. This helps to create a more supportive environment for children and staff.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision from managers. They say this is helpful to them and supports them to reflect on their practice. This allows them to adapt their approach as required. Staff have received the training they need to meet the identified needs of children. New staff say that their inductions prepare them well for their roles and ensure that they understand how best to help each child. Inspection report for children’s home: 2828991 5

p.4

Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that they have received appropriate behaviour management training so that they can fully meet the needs of children and objectively review incidents involving the use of restraint. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph 9.37)

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: 2828991 6

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Serenity Care Group Limited

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX

p.6

Inspector

Glen Strowbridge, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2828991 7 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.6

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 .

p.7

Inspector

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.7

Inspector

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

p.7

Inspector

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

p.7