Children's home run by Homes for Support

Inspection report for children’s home: 2553274 1 Registered provider: Homes for Support Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is run by a private organisation. The home provides care for up to six children who may have social or emotional difficulties and/or learning difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered in July 2025 and holds the relevant qualification.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, six children were living at the home. All of the children spoke with the inspector.

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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

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2553274 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/07/2024 Full Good 20/03/2024 Full Good 26/07/2022 Full Good 07/09/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2553274 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, three children have moved out of the home and four children have moved in. Children are admitted to the home in a planned and thoughtful way. Staff ensure that children who are moving out of the home are involved with the decisions. Staff advocate for moves to be planned, sensitive and with consideration of the children’s needs and views.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children to enjoy healthy lifestyles. This enables children to receive specialist health services to meet their individual needs. Staff work closely with health professionals and follow guidance on the most effective ways to support children. As a result, children’s health needs are well met.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to develop hobbies and interests. Staff talk with children about their interests and support them to experience a wide range of activities. Children enjoy trips to skate parks and the cinema, and going bowling and playing tag games involving lasers. One child said, ‘I have done things I never would have been able to do.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff understand the importance of education for children. The manager is proactive in seeking educational provisions for children. Two children who have missed a significant amount of their education are being supported to re-engage with school. The manager and staff have encouraged the children to participate in their plans and have advocated for plans that are achievable.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff enable children to maintain relationships with their families. Families are welcomed into the home and staff support them when they are out in the community. Staff discuss the care of the children with parents. One parent said they have a ‘really open relationship’ with staff and that the ‘staff go above and beyond’ caring for their child.

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

Children rarely go missing from the home. There have only been three incidents since the last inspection. When children do go missing, staff follow the correct procedures and work with professionals to try to locate the children. When children return home, staff are warm and welcoming.

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

Staff support children to manage their emotions, using a calm and nurturing approach. Children are only physically held to keep them safe, and holds are proportionate. The manager has oversight of all incidents. However, on one occasion, there were no records of the child being spoken with about a hold that caused them discomfort, and medical attention was not sought. No injuries were observed. Inspection report for children’s home: 2553274 4 The manager ensures that medication is administered safely. There has been one medication error, which was quickly identified. Safeguarding procedures were followed and the incident was thoroughly investigated. Actions were put in place to prevent similar errors. All staff have attended medical administration training, and the manager regularly reviews medication records. There have been no further errors.

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

The children are supported by staff who know them well and understand their individual risks. Staff are guided by robust plans that are regularly reviewed. Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding children and follow the correct procedures. Children are kept safe.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

A qualified, skilled and knowledgeable manager manages the home. The manager has a clear vision for the home, with high aspirations for children and staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff feel well supported by the manager. They enjoy working here. Staff work well together to promote progress for children. They are willing to offer flexibility in working patterns to ensure that children’s needs are well met. Some staff have recently adjusted their working patterns to support children’s readiness for and attendance at school.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings and supervision take place regularly. This provide opportunities for staff to discuss the progress of children, identify areas of support and work together to resolve any challenges. Staff are encouraged to reflect on their practice and future development. The manager promotes an open learning culture to continuously improve the quality of care provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

New staff members receive a thorough induction to the home, with an opportunity to learn from experienced staff. They are supported to complete training through their induction period, which ensures that they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to support the children effectively.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has clear systems in place to review children’s progress. Any patterns of concern are quickly identified. Recently, the managers shared their findings about one child with the staff to help them reflect on the child’s progress and achievements. This approach reassures staff in their abilities to support and care effectively for the child, while enabling the manager to review the quality of care provided. Inspection report for children’s home: 2553274 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes—

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Requirement Due date

a description of any injury to the child or any other person, and any medical treatment administered, as a result of the measure. (Regulation 35 (3)(a)(viii))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person should ensure that children are provided with an opportunity to discuss any discomfort they experience during the use of a restraint. Records must clearly indicate if medical attention was offered and required. 10 December 2025

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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: 2553274 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Homes for Support Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Northern House, 3 Kennerleys Lane, Crewe, Cheshire SK9 5EQ

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Inspectors

Sarah Probert, Social Care Inspector Shauna Morley, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2553274 7 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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