Children's home run by Aspirer Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2798017 1 Registered provider: Aspirer Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home and manager registered with Ofsted in April 2025. It is operated by a private organisation.

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Information about this children’s home

It provides care for up to two children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, one child was living at the home. The inspector spoke with the child living at the home.

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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 good

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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: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2798017 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have mixed experiences of moving in and out of the home. One child moved into the home in an emergency and shortly afterwards the management team ended the child’s placement as they recognised that they could no longer meet the child’s needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since then, the registered manager and staff reviewed their practices. They implemented new processes to improve children’s experiences moving into the home. This was completed in a well-thought-out and planned way. This consisted of the child making several visits to the home and staff meeting with the child prior to them moving in. This has led to another child settling in well, and they are building warm and trusting relationships with the staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child feels happy and safe and has developed a sense of belonging living in the home. This is due to the strong relationships the staff have built with the child. The child is making good progress and enjoys spending time with the staff taking part in a variety of activities, such as going for walks, playing cards and cooking. One professional said, ‘There is nothing that we have any concerns about at present. We are completely happy with their care and safety.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the child moved into the home, they have re-engaged with education. The child is completing home tutoring and informal learning. The registered manager has been proactive in sourcing an appropriate school for the child to start in the coming weeks. This means the child is maintaining a healthy daily routine. Staff support the child to achieve their educational outcomes, develop interests and work towards their aspirations for the future.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child enjoys general good health and is supported by staff to attend routine health appointments. The provider’s clinical team supports the child with weekly therapy sessions and guides staff to help the child to manage their emotions. As a result, the child is beginning to work through past trauma, and their general health and emotional health needs are met.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff understand the importance of supporting the children to see and remain in contact with their family and friends. This helps the children to have relationships with the people who are important to them and to maintain a sense of identity and belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is decorated and furnished to a good standard. The child likes their home and takes pride in it. Consequently, the child lives in a happy, safe and relaxed home where staff treat them with dignity and respect. Inspection report for children’s home: 2798017 3

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

Staff know the child well and understand their history, risks and vulnerabilities. Risk management plans are thorough. Plans are regularly reviewed and updated by staff. Staff demonstrate that they understand the plans and know what action to take to safeguard the child. One professional said, ‘There has been a significant reduction in risks since [name of child] moved in; they are like a different child.’

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

The previous child was missing from home on two occasions. These incidents were managed well in line with relevant protocols.

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

Detailed and clear plans are in place that advise staff what action to take if a child goes missing from home. Staff take action to try and locate the child and work with the police to return them home safely. The child was offered an interview with a professional who is independent from the staff working at the home. This encourages the child to discuss any worries or concerns. This supports the staff to understand any triggers for the child and to look for strategies to reduce and minimise the risk in the future.

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

Significant incidents are managed well in line with safeguarding protocols. When allegations from the previous child were made, relevant information was shared with the local authority designated officer and the child’s social worker. This multi-agency working supported the child to remain safe living in the home.

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

Staff are trained in physical intervention and de-escalation techniques. Physical intervention is used as a last resort. On two occasions, staff had to physically intervene and hold the child. These interventions were proportionate and necessary to keep the child and staff safe.

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

Staff are trained in a variety of topics, including safeguarding, self-harm and child exploitation. This gives the staff the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. Subsequently, staff understand their roles and responsibilities regarding safeguarding practices. As a result, the child is effectively safeguarded.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is suitably experienced and qualified and has high aspirations for the child in her care. Staff speak in high regard of the registered manager and the support she provides to her team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

One member of staff said, ‘It is a pleasure to work in such a beautiful home with an amazing team and fantastic manager. Not only that, but the directors have also been amazing too. Everyone here at [name of the home] has the children’s best interests at heart and it makes coming to work and doing the job I love very easy.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2798017 4 Staff are well managed and supported by leaders and the registered manager. Staff benefit from regular team meetings and practice-related supervision. This allows staff to reflect on their practice and review the needs and progress of the child in their care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

New staff receive a thorough induction that provides them with a detailed programme of training and guidance for their new role. On completion of their probationary period, staff are enrolled on to a suitable qualification if they are not already qualified. This leads to consistency in care and support for the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager demonstrates effective leadership and has good oversight of the day-to-day running of the home. She welcomes the external scrutiny of the quality of care provided to the child by the independent person, who visits monthly. The registered manager provides good oversight of staff and regularly reviews and monitors staff practices. The registered manager identifies and addresses shortfalls as they arise. Inspection report for children’s home: 2798017 5

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Information about this inspection

The inspector has 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: 2798017 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Roman James Estates, 29 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool FY3 9AA

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Jonathan Broadstock

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Inspector

Julie Elder, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2798017 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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