Children's Home run by Changing Lives Care Group Ltd in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2812610 1 Registered provider: Changing Lives Care Group Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a private organisation. It 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 the inspection, one child was living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

An experienced manager is in post. They have applied to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

The inspector was aware during this inspection that a serious incident that occurred at the setting is under investigation by the appropriate authorities. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind, actions taken by the setting in response to the incident were considered (where appropriate) alongside other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform the inspector’s judgements.

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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: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2812610 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The inspector saw and spoke with the child living at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have assisted two children in moving into the home and one child in moving out. Staff warmly welcome children into the home. For a child who was unable to visit beforehand, staff created a video tour introducing the home and staff. This helped build familiarity before the child’s arrival. When children move in, staff gift them a welcome hamper and provide information about the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

A child was offered a short-term home while awaiting their permanent home, during which staff facilitated visits and introductions to future carers. The manager reflected that the brief stay limited the opportunity for a meaningful farewell. As a result, a new practice has been introduced to capture children’s memories from admission, ensuring that they have something personal to take with them when they leave, regardless of the duration of their stay.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have supported a child who has moved into the home in choosing their bedroom. Although the room has not yet been personalised, staff are working collaboratively with the child to plan its decoration. The child keeps pet gerbils in their bedroom. Staff acknowledge that enabling children to have pets can foster a sense of belonging and emotional stability. Staff have offered the child access to a spare bedroom for additional personal use. This provides the child with additional space, promoting a sense of ownership in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager has recognised the child’s needs in relation to their identity and culture. In response, a staff member with a similar background has been redeployed to work in the home. This has provided the child with meaningful opportunities to explore and celebrate their cultural heritage. Staff know and understand the child’s health needs. Staff have supported access for the child to both mainstream and specialist health services. Staff regularly talk to the child to promote their understanding of health and well-being.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is not yet in full-time education. Staff support engagement with virtual learning and offer alternative educational activities. The manager is working closely with education providers to secure a long-term education provision. The manager has identified local after-school activities, such as kickboxing and cheerleading. These activities align with the child’s interests. Staff have taken the child to the cinema and out for tea in recognition of their engagement with educational activities.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff actively encourage children to maintain relationships with the people who are important to them. They welcome family members and friends into the home. Staff provide transport and practical support for children to see the people who are important to them in the community. This helps children stay connected with those who matter to them. Inspection report for children’s home: 2812610 3

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

Staff have developed care plans tailored to children’s needs and associated risks, updating them regularly following incidents or changes in circumstances. These plans provide clear guidance to ensure safe and effective support. In addition, staff create safety plans that summarise key information, enabling new or temporary staff to quickly understand the child’s needs. These are used as accessible grab sheets to support consistent and informed care. The manager ensures that the child’s voice is reflected in their care plans. The child expressed they were unhappy with how staff checked on their welfare. In response, the manager collaboratively worked with the child to create a plan that meets their needs in a way the child feels comfortable with.

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

Staff are clear on procedures when a child goes missing from the home. They act swiftly to locate them, maintaining contact where possible. Staff liaise with police, public transport, social workers and other professionals. Staff speak with children about the risks of going missing and focus on building trusting relationships. Staff work with children to understand the underlying reasons for going missing and put supportive measures in place to help prevent further episodes. Early signs suggest this approach is effective, as episodes of the child going missing from the home have decreased.

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

Staff are confident in responding to allegations or complaints. When a child raises a concern, they are listened to and offered reassurance. While investigating the matter, the manager keeps all relevant professionals informed and implements appropriate safeguarding measures. Where responses from external agencies fall short, the manager challenges and escalates concerns. For example, when a child’s complaint to the police was not acted on, the manager reported it directly and raised concerns about police practice during a professional meeting.

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

The manager informs safeguarding agencies when serious incidents occur. On one occasion, there was a delay in notifying Ofsted. This was because the manager was unaware of the required timescales and was gathering information first. This was an isolated incident. All other notifications to Ofsted have been submitted within timescales.

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

There are clear plans in place to support children’s behaviour. Staff use a restorative approach. Any consequences used are overseen by the manager. On one occasion, a consequence was reviewed and deemed ineffective, so it is no longer used. Staff have received training to help keep children safe, including how to safely hold children to reduce risk. There has only been one incident where this intervention was necessary.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is newly established, and the staff team is still forming. The manager’s current focus is on developing staff’s skills and knowledge while also building a deeper understanding of the child. As a result, staff are receiving additional support beyond team meetings and supervision. One staff member said, ‘I get so much support; the manager is always available.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2812610 4 Staff receive regular, well-structured supervision that focuses on their well-being and the child’s needs. Supervision is reflective, allowing staff to celebrate successes and identify areas for development. Team meetings follow a similar approach, providing staff the opportunity to discuss what is working well and what could be improved. These meetings also serve as a space to reflect on the care provided to the child, ensuring that it continues to meet the child’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has oversight of all aspects of the child’s care. Robust systems are in place to review and improve the quality of care. These systems also include oversight of the responsible individual, adding an extra layer of scrutiny and accountability. The manager has ensured that all staff have completed mandatory training and training specific to the child’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is committed to ensuring that staff have a strong understanding of the child’s needs and complexities. While recruiting for vacant posts, the manager has chosen to use staff from other homes in the organisation who are familiar with the home’s therapeutic ethos to provide support. For one child, the manager arranged for their existing staff team to support them during a short stay, ensuring continuity of care from staff who knew them well. Safer recruitment practices have been followed when recruiting staff. Inspection report for children’s home: 2812610 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: 2812610 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Changing Lives Care Group Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Office 7, 35 to 37 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JN

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Inspector

Laura Copus, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2812610 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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