Children's Home run by Sevello Children’s Homes Limited in Essex

Inspection report for children’s home: 2825107 1 Registered provider: Sevello Children’s Homes 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

This home is owned by a private provider. It offers care for one child with 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 home was registered with Ofsted in June 2025 and this is the home’s first inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since the home opened in June 2025.

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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: 2825107 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child lives in the home and has done so for approximately three months. No other children have moved in or out since the home opened. The child spoke positively about their time at the home, expressing a wish to remain there until adulthood. Staff interactions with the child are are warm, respectful and playful. Feedback from a family member was also positive.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s views are central to the operation of the home. Staff listen and act on the wishes and feelings of the child through regular formal meetings as well as daily discussions. The child feels able to express their views and sees that these are taken seriously.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child had been out of education for an extended period. The manager worked with the virtual school promptly to identify a suitable setting for the child, and secure funding for a place in an alternative provision that offers individualised education and can support the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s interests are nurtured. For example, staff regularly take the child to a football club and encouraged the child’s interests in trade work by safely involving them in practical tasks such as gardening and minor repairs. During the period when the child wasn’t in education, staff also provided a structured routine that included activities such as swimming lessons, trips to local places of interest, and educational sessions in the home. This promotes confidence and helps the child to develop new skills.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s health needs are met effectively. Staff help the child make sure they attend all routine health appointments, and staff advocate strongly for the child’s needs. The child’s emotional well-being is supported through access to an in-house therapist, and staff follow a consistent therapeutic approach in daily care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support the child to maintain relationships with friends and families. Staff are responsive and flexible to last-minute changes to ensure that arrangements meet the child’s needs. This helps maintain important relationships and supports the child’s identity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home environment is of a high standard. It is clean, well maintained and decorated to a modern specification. The child’s bedroom reflects their preferences, and any damage is repaired promptly. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and homely.

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

The child is safeguarded effectively. Initial assessments and introductions are thorough, ensuring that children’s needs can be met. Clear routines and boundaries are established Inspection report for children’s home: 2825107 3 from the outset, addressing risks such as going missing from home, safe phone use and substance misuse.

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

Staff know the child well and adapt their practice to meet individual needs. Behaviour management is personalised and focuses on trust and supporting the child to make positive choices. Staff frame rules and boundaries around this approach and can give examples about how it has been effective.

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

The child’s plans and risk assessments are detailed and regularly updated. They are individual to the child and each need is evaluated thoroughly. Behaviour support plans are comprehensive and informed by incidents. Records of rewards and consequences are clear and contribute to progress. This consistency helps the child feel safe and supported and strengthens safeguarding practice.

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

Incidents are managed effectively, and responses are in line with the child’s plans. Physical interventions are rare, with a focus on de-escalation. When interventions do occur, they are proportionate and justified. Staff have meaningful conversations with the child, and managers evaluate all incidents robustly. Although the child has not gone missing from home, staff demonstrate a clear understanding of procedures. Staff are also knowledgeable about responding to other risks, including exploitation and self-harm.

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

Health and safety monitoring is comprehensive. Fire safety checks, drills and risk assessments are up to date. The local area risk assessment is detailed and up to date.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home has an experienced and competent registered manager who provides clear direction and oversight. They have shown commitment to the staff, child and the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff morale is high. Team members speak passionately about their roles and the children they care for. Feedback includes comments such as ‘support is fantastic’ and ‘can’t fault the managers’. The staff team is diverse and experienced, with members bringing skills from other care settings.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff speak positively about the support they receive, describing supervision as regular and reflective. Team meetings include input from the psychotherapist, which enhances practice and promotes a therapeutic approach. Staff induction and training is robust, with specialist input on areas that are individual to the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

External professionals report good communication and positive outcomes for the child. Auditing systems are effective and ensure compliance with regulations. Safer recruitment practices are followed and meet regulatory requirements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager uses monitoring tools effectively to maintain oversight of the home. Records are well organised, and documentation is of a good standard. Inspection report for children’s home: 2825107 4 No requirements or recommendations were made during this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2825107 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: 2825107 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sevello Children’s Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 1C, The Gattinetts, Hadleigh Road, East Bergholt CO7 6QT

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Stephen Robertson

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Inspector

Daniel Rankin, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2825107 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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