Children's Home run by Fairfields House Support Services Limited in Tameside

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2689909 1 Registered provider: Fairfields House Support Services 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 privately owned. It provides care for up to two children who may experience social or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home was registered with Ofsted in July 2024 and the manager registered in June 2025.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this visit, one child was living at the home.

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Inspection date: 27 November 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 27 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 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: 2689909 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

The child’s plans are detailed and individualised to them. There is a clear plan to support the child into independence. The child contributes to their plans and has frequent opportunities to have their voice heard. They are engaged in planning a positive future for themself.

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Findings from the inspection

Professionals say that they are happy with the quality of care provided to the child. The child has formed positive and trusting relationships with the staff team and the manager.

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Findings from the inspection

The home environment is calm and well presented. The child’s bedroom is beautifully decorated and highly personalised, reflecting their identity and preferences. Seasonal decor, such as Christmas decorations, has been added, creating a warm and homely atmosphere. However, the rear garden is a bare concreted yard and is not in keeping with the general good quality of the home’s internal decoration.

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Findings from the inspection

All staff are fully briefed on the child’s history and vulnerabilities. The child’s safety is prioritised through clear, individualised safety plans. There is strong communication with external agencies, including youth clubs and colleges, to ensure children’s safety beyond the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff respond promptly to incidents, escalating concerns to managers and the police when necessary. They work collaboratively with partner agencies to address specific risks. Risk management plans are detailed and risks are managed effectively.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the child moved into the home, only one significant incident has occurred. Lessons were learned from this incident and reflective conversations took place between the staff team and the manager. There have been no further incidents, and the child’s safety has improved significantly. There have been no missing-from-home episodes or concerns relating to substance misuse or exploitation. The child has also developed independence and enjoyed positive social engagement.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff describe the manager as an inspirational leader who models the behaviour she expects from the staff team. Staff say that they feel well supported and value the therapeutic approach taken toward both the child and the team.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager demonstrates strong oversight of incidents and ensures that thorough debriefs with staff and the child take place following incidents. Reflective practice is well embedded, incorporating the views of staff, family, the child and professionals.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager challenges agencies and escalates concerns if she feels that they are not working in the best interests of the child. A professional said, ‘They [the Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2689909 3 manager and staff team] have been very accommodating and proactive, I couldn’t ask for more.’ The team communicates well with partner agencies in order to achieve the best outcomes for the child.

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Findings from the inspection

All the requirements raised at the full inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2689909 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/07/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 12/11/2024 Full Inadequate Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2689909 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that children are able to experience living in a homely environment and that the garden to the rear of the property is updated to be in keeping with the high standard of the rest of the property. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2689909 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Fairfields House Support Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 29 Troutbeck Road, Gatley, Cheadle SK8 4RR

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Inspector

Cathy Wilkins, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2689909 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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