Children's home run by Utopia Children’s Services Ltd

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1256639 1 Registered provider: Utopia Children’s Services Ltd

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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 operated by a private company and provides care for up to four children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, three children were living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since October 2023.

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Inspection date: 28 October 2025

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: 1256639 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Children benefit from living in a nurturing and stable home that is well maintained and welcoming. Relationships between children and staff are warm and positive, with light-hearted conversations and shared activities, which contribute to a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff encourage and support children to participate in hobbies, leisure pursuits, and social opportunities that promote their confidence and independence. Staff actively facilitate and promote family time, recognising its importance to children’s emotional well-being and identity.

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Findings from the inspection

Referral and admission processes have been strengthened. Meetings with children’s social workers and team discussions are now embedded in practice, ensuring that risks are fully considered and mitigated before a child moves into the home. In addition, managers have introduced improved risk assessment templates that include transferable risks. Managers now also evaluate the skills, experience and knowledge of the staff to ensure that they are suitably equipped to meet the child’s needs safely and consistently.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers take proactive steps to address any identified gaps in staff knowledge or expertise. Targeted training and development opportunities are implemented to ensure that staff are confident and competent in meeting the needs of the children in their care.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s cultural identities are thoughtfully considered and incorporated into care planning. As a result, children feel recognised and valued. There have been improvements in children’s emotional regulation, along with a reduction in behavioural incidents.

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Findings from the inspection

Some restrictive measures had been in place since the last inspection, such as locking the lounge door at night. These were implemented in consultation with social workers and were subject to regular review. Following reassessment, the measures have been removed, demonstrating a proportionate and responsive approach to risk management.

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Findings from the inspection

There has been one recorded error in the administration of medication. The manager has acknowledged this and taken appropriate action, including staff training and the introduction of regular audits, to prevent recurrence and strengthen oversight. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1256639 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

01/05/2025 Full Good 05/11/2024 Full Good 11/07/2023 Full Good 08/06/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1256639 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that accurate and up-to-date records are maintained for all medication administered to children. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 35, paragraph 7.15) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1256639 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Utopia Children’s Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Duncan Woodger, Unit 9, Wheatstone Court, Davy Way, Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AQ

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Inspector

Karen Hallam, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1256639 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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Inspector

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