Children's Home run by Choices 4 Children Limited in Lancashire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC400880 1 SC400880

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Registered provider: Choices 4 Children 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 and operated by a private provider. It provides care for up to six children with social and emotional difficulties and/or special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Information about this children’s home

The home has been without a registered manager since April 2025. A new manager was appointed in September 2025. They have applied to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, there were five children living at the home. Two children spent time with the inspector.

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Inspection date: 26 November 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 26 November 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: SC400880 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

There has been a change in the management since the last inspection. The new manager is child centred and knows the children well. She is ambitious and has made a positive difference to the quality of care provided.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has made improvements to the home environment, so it is warm and welcoming. Children’s photos are displayed and there is a wide range of toys, games and sensory items. These changes create a homely environment where children feel valued and comfortable. Children benefit from individualised care and support from nurturing staff who know them well.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s plans support staff in providing consistent care. These plans are detailed and contain relevant information about children’s individual needs, vulnerabilities and progress, helping staff to support children effectively.

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Findings from the inspection

Children who live at the home have complex health needs. They receive highly personalised care that is tailored to meet their individual needs. Staff are supported in their role by working with health professionals, ensuring that they have the appropriate knowledge and skills to meet these needs effectively.

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Findings from the inspection

All staff have received training on the administration of medication. When a medication error occurred, the manager acted quickly to keep the child safe and implemented systems to ensure that there is better recording of medication to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff offer the children fun and exciting activities, such as day trips, attending a monthly community-based disco, visits to soft-play areas and sensory rooms. The children’s individual interests are also encouraged and nurtured.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff provide a safe and nurturing environment for children, with high levels of supervision that meets children’s complex needs and vulnerabilities. There has been one incident where physical intervention was necessary to keep the child and others safe. The manager reviewed the incident, spoke with the child and identified further strategies to support the child when they are in emotional distress.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have a good understanding of the children’s needs and vulnerabilities. There are robust risk assessments in place to support the staff, and the manager ensures that these are updated regularly. However, the use of door alarms is not appropriately risk assessed to confirm that this measure is appropriate. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC400880 3 Safeguarding practice is effective, and children’s safety and well-being are placed at the centre of decision-making. Concerns are addressed promptly and robustly. Records are clear and reflective, supporting continuous improvement.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, the new manager has implemented several improvements in staff recording, the development of the staff team’s skills and streamlining documents. She has clear oversight of the day-to-day practice and has identified further areas for improvement.

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Findings from the inspection

There is now a stable staff team that shares the manager’s aspirations for children. This has reduced the need to use agency staff. The staff report that the manager has had a positive impact on the environment and on the day-to-day practice and the support that they receive. As a result, children benefit from consistent care.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff access a wide range of training that helps them understand each child’s individual needs. The manager has now implemented systems that give her clear oversight of the staff’s skills and training needs.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager ensures that staff receive regular supervision, which gives them an opportunity to reflect on their practice and how they are meeting the specific needs of children.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has developed positive relationship with parents and professionals. She is a good advocate for children and will follow up and escalate her concerns when responses from agencies are not satisfactory. This helps to ensure that children receive the right support and their needs are met.

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Findings from the inspection

The requirements and recommendation raised at the last inspection have been met. One requirement was raised at this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC400880 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/05/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 28/01/2025 Full Inadequate 14/11/2023 Full Good 22/02/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC400880 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

The registered person may only use devices for the monitoring or surveillance of children if—

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Requirement Due date

the monitoring or surveillance is for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child concerned, or other children;

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Requirement Due date

the child’s placing authority consents in writing to the monitoring or surveillance;

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Requirement Due date

so far as reasonably practicable in the light of the child’s age and understanding, the child is informed in advance of the intention to do the monitoring or surveillance; and

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Requirement Due date

the monitoring or surveillance is no more intrusive than necessary, having regard to the child’s need for privacy. (Regulation 24 (1)(a)(b)(c)(d))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered provider must ensure that if bedroom door alarms are used, there is a clear identified risk and that this measure is kept under regular review. 27 January 2026 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC400880 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Choices 4 Children Limited

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Inspector

Simon Jones, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC400880 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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