Children's home run by Kathrey Homes Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2792613 1 Registered provider: Kathrey Homes Limited

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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 organisation. Staff provide care for up to one child with emotional and behavioural 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

The manager has been in post since May 2025, and she is in the process of applying for registration.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2792613 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns regarding the care or protection of children during this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Relationships between staff and children are warm and trusting. Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of how to meet the individual needs of the child living in the home. The child appears comfortable and regularly engages in activities with staff, both within the home and in the community. These include karaoke sessions and community-based activities. As a result, the child experiences a sense of belonging.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the previous inspection in April 2025, there has been an improvement in how children move into and out of the home. Leaders consult with a range of professionals when planning for children’s admission. Children are supported through pre-admission visits, which help them to build familiarity with the environment and relationships with staff. When children move on from the home, leaders share any concerns with relevant professionals, enabling timely responses. Leaders also encourage staff to provide positive endings for children through planned activities, helping children to feel valued.

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Findings from the inspection

There are clear arrangements for the management of the home. A new manager has been in post since May 2025 and is in the process of applying for registration. The manager has good oversight of the home and is supported by an experienced responsible individual, who also maintains oversight. Leaders complete regular monitoring audits, which contribute to the delivery of effective care by staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Records of staff working each day are now clear. Leaders have ensured that the home’s rota includes staff members’ full names, roles and shift times. The manager also records agency staff details, providing clarity about who is on duty.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff respond well to incidents in the home. They have a good understanding of children’s plans and use them effectively. Leaders and staff notify relevant professionals following incidents. The manager and responsible individual maintain good oversight of incidents as they occur, which provides assurance that staff have responded appropriately.

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Findings from the inspection

The home environment is child focused. Staff have supported the child to display pictures of their relatives in the lounge area. Children are encouraged to decorate their bedrooms according to their personal preferences. This helps children to feel that the home is their own.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are mostly recruited safely. While improvements have been made, one permanent staff member’s employment history contained gaps, and it was unclear how leaders assured themselves that all checks were complete. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2792613 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

01/04/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2792613 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should maintain good employment practice. They must ensure that the recruitment of staff safeguards children and minimises potential risks to them. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2792613 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Kathrey Homes Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 181-183, Summer Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 6DX

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Inspector

Chanel Bryant, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2792613 6 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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