Children's home run by SureCare Residential Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2661568 1 Registered provider: SureCare Residential Ltd

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

It provides care for up to 5 Children, who may experience social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection 5 children were living in the home and 3 were spoken to.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2023 and is suitably qualified.

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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: 25 February 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2661568 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/02/2025 Full Good 25/07/2023 Full Good 08/06/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2661568 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from living in a home where staff know them well and provide nurturing, individualised care. Staff encourage children to personalise their bedrooms and communal spaces, which helps them feel a sense of stability and belonging. One child spoke positively about their bedroom, saying how happy it makes them feel. Where children struggle with tasks such as keeping their rooms tidy, staff offer practical support and reassurance.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s voices are listened to and acted upon. They are regularly consulted about meals, activities, and decisions that affect their daily lives. A clear and accessible children’s guide explains their rights and what they can expect from living in the home. This is available in both written and online formats, ensuring children can access information in a way that suits them. Staff are approachable and readily available, which helps children feel settled and valued.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Education is prioritised, and staff work closely with schools and education specialists to secure and maintain placements. Learning plans are tailored to individual needs, and staff provide consistent encouragement for children to engage in education. When a child has struggled to maintain a school placement, staff have collaborated with professionals to develop an alternative education plan that meets the child’s needs and promotes progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff receive regular training and support to ensure they provide consistent care and clear boundaries. Training is aligned with the home’s therapeutic approach, enabling staff to respond effectively to children’s needs. This consistency helps children feel safe and supported.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s relationships with family and those important to them are promoted and celebrated. Staff encourage family time and support children to maintain friendships and connections with those who are important to them. This helps children sustain positive relationships and feel cared for. Staff demonstrate warmth and genuine interest in children’s lives, which contributes to children feeling valued and respected.

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

Children’s safety and welfare are central to practice in this home. Staff have a clear understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities associated with each child. When new children move in, staff carefully consider any known risks and how these may affect children already living in the home. This proactive approach helps to maintain a safe and stable environment.

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

Staff are skilled in supporting children to manage their feelings when they become upset or anxious. Staff respond consistently and calmly, which helps children feel reassured Inspection report for children’s home: 2661568 4 and safe. Physical intervention or restrictive practices are only used when necessary to protect children or others. All incidents are recorded, reviewed, and monitored by managers. Strong management oversight ensures interventions are appropriate and proportionate. Children’s views are sought following any incident, and they are encouraged to reflect and share their feelings. This helps children feel listened to and supported.

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

Risks associated with internet use and social media are understood by staff. These issues are discussed openly with children, and appropriate restrictions are implemented in line with individual care plans. Staff help children learn how to keep themselves safe online.

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

When children go missing from the home, staff respond promptly and effectively. Children are welcomed back and encouraged to talk about where they have been and why they left. Professionals working with the child and their family are notified and return home interviews are arranged to help children reflect and reduce future risks.

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

Staff in the home encourage the children to stay safe online and, in the community, at times staff will use consequences to encourage children to remain in the home and to stay safe. Children’s unaccompanied free time has been restricted and whilst this is regularly reviewed, a restriction in children’s freedom of movement should not be used without an appropriate court order.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager demonstrates a clear understanding of children’s plans and drives progress towards key milestones, including permanence. They monitor individual progress effectively and can evidence the positive impact that living in the home has had on children’s outcomes and life chances. Plans developed within the home align with local authority plans, reducing confusion for children and their families.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Partnership working is strong. Professionals confirm that the registered manager shares information appropriately and maintains effective communication. One professional described the registered manager as supportive and responsive, which promotes collaborative working and positive outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager actively seeks feedback from children, their families, and professionals to ensure that the quality of care remains high. Children are encouraged to share their views in meetings and individual discussions, helping them feel listened to and involved in decisions about their care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision and appraisal and describe a supportive work environment where they feel valued. Training opportunities are prioritised, enabling staff to feel confident and knowledgeable in meeting children’s needs. This contributes to a consistent and therapeutic approach across the team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager monitors staff training closely. While all permanent staff have completed or are working towards the required qualification, some non-permanent staff Inspection report for children’s home: 2661568 5 have not yet achieved this within the timescale set out in the children’s homes regulations. The registered manager is addressing this shortfall to ensure compliance and maintain high standards of care. Inspection report for children’s home: 2661568 6

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person 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 must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

the privacy of children is appropriately protected;

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Requirement Due date

any limitation placed on a child’s privacy or access to any area of the home’s premises—

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Requirement Due date

is intended to safeguard each child accommodated in the home;

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Requirement Due date

is kept under review and, if necessary, revised; and

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Requirement Due date

allows children as much freedom as is possible when balanced against the need to protect them and keep them safe. (Regulation 21 (a)(c)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)) 27 February 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that all staff in a care role, including external agency or bank staff must have a qualification in regulation 32 (4) within the relevant timescale listed in the regulation 32(5). (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’ page 53, paragraph 10.12)

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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: 2661568 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: SureCare Residential Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Old Snap Factory, Twyford Road, Bishops Stortford CM23 3LJ

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Inspector

Lisa Richards, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2661568 8 and inspects 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 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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