Children's Home run by Emerge Care and Therapeutic Solutions Limited in Cheshire East

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2751128 1 Registered provider: Emerge Care and Therapeutic Solutions Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private provider and is registered to provide care for up to five children, who may be experiencing emotional or social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not had a registered manager since June 2025. A manager is in post and is applying to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered provider has appointed a new responsible individual, and Ofsted is currently checking that this person has the relevant capacity, experience and skills to carry out the role.

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Information about this children’s home

Two children were living in the home at the time of this visit, and one spoke with the inspector.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was carried out due to a significant increase in safeguarding incidents since the full inspection in August 2025. Taking account of the previous inadequate judgement and restriction of accommodation issued in June 2025, a decision was made to monitor and review incidents.

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This monitoring visit

Overall, incidents of children going missing from the home are rare, although one child has been reported missing five times. Staff manage this by conducting area searches, contacting known individuals, maintaining telephone contact and checking the child in person to ensure they are safe. The child’s care plan has been updated, and they receive return home interviews to discuss the reasons for going missing. Staff understand their roles and responsibilities and provide support to help children reflect on their behaviour and stay safe.

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This monitoring visit

Staff carry out room searches when there is a suspicion of children having prohibited items, such as lighters or vapes, and this reduces risks and maintains safety in the home. Items found are removed promptly, and actions are recorded clearly. When children refuse to engage with external support services, staff use key-work sessions Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2751128 2 to help them understand the dangers of substance misuse and its impact. Individual behaviour support plans are updated and additional safety measures are put in place. Leaders maintain oversight through incident reviews and stability meetings, ensuring risks are managed and plans adapted. This approach helps protect children and maintain a safe, structured environment.

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This monitoring visit

Following an incident when a razor was not returned as required, the manager reviewed the situation and identified that staff had not followed the agreed plan for managing items that pose a risk. This created potential harm for the child, but on this occasion no harm occurred. The manager addressed the shortfall immediately with the staff involved and reinforced expectations with the wider team and the responsible individual. Preventive measures included refresher training on safe item management, reminders during team meetings and strengthened oversight to ensure procedures are consistently followed. These actions reduce the likelihood of similar incidents and help maintain a safe environment for all children.

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This monitoring visit

Staff support children when serious concerns arise. They act quickly to safeguard and provide reassurance. Immediate actions include notifying managers and agencies, putting in place safety measures and offering emotional support. Staff talk with children to help them learn to understand healthy relationships and consent. Managers review incidents and adapt plans to reduce future risks. This approach ensures children feel listened to, protected and supported in a safe environment.

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This monitoring visit

When children make allegations, these are taken seriously. Staff ensure children are listened to and supported throughout the process. Internal investigations are completed promptly, and advice is sought from relevant professionals, such as the local authority designated officer. Children are informed of the outcome in a way that is appropriate and sensitive to their needs. This approach promotes trust and transparency, and ensures safeguarding practice is robust.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers maintain effective oversight of incidents and the progress children are making. Regular team meetings are used as opportunities to review events, reflect on lessons learned and reinforce staff understanding through training. Staff report feeling supported and valued, and they enjoy their roles. Children remain at the centre of practice, benefiting from care delivered by confident, well- trained staff who understand their needs and prioritise their safety and well-being.

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This monitoring visit

The previous requirement and recommendation made at the full inspection have been met. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2751128 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

26/08/2025 Full Good 03/06/2025 Full Inadequate 10/06/2024 Full Good

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2751128 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Emerge Care and Therapeutic Solutions Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Office, 5 Rockside, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 4PG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Miss Billie Jo Kelsey

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Inspector

Nicola Forrester, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2751128 5 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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