Children's Home run by Care Today (Childrens Services) Ltd in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for children’s home: 2821486 1 Registered provider: Care Today Ltd Full inspection 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. It provides care for up to 2 children with social and emotional 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 registered with Ofsted since June 2025. She holds a level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Children’s Residential Care.

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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: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2821486 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since registration, 3 children have moved into the home and 2 have moved out. At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home and spoke with the inspector. Leaders planned this child’s transition carefully, enabling them to understand the child’s needs and how best to meet them. This has resulted in a settled environment and positive relationships between the child and staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are offered a range of bespoke activities that reflect their individual interests. Leaders and staff use this knowledge to source meaningful opportunities. For example, staff arranged for the child to attend horse-riding lessons. Since starting, the child’s interest has grown, leading to more regular participation.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager and staff promote positive educational outcomes. They establish effective routines within the home that encourage school attendance. The manager and staff maintain regular communication with education professionals, ensuring a shared understanding of how best to support the child’s learning.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Systems to monitor children’s progress are effective. Leaders and staff use star charts to review key areas, including physical health, relationships, education and emotional wellbeing. The child is actively involved in this process, and their views are consistently sought, ensuring a child-focused approach.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s health is well supported. Leaders and staff encourage attendance at regular health appointments and promote physical activity and balanced meals. Leaders have also advocated for access to therapeutic services outside the home, contributing to improvements in the child’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home environment is warm and welcoming. At the time of the inspection, the home was decorated for Christmas. Leaders and staff encourage children to personalise their bedrooms, promoting a sense of belonging.

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

There have been no allegations or complaints reported since the last inspection. Leaders and staff ensure that the child understands how to raise concerns. As a result, the child feels confident to speak with staff and can identify a safe adult at all times.

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

The manager and staff support the child to stay safe online. When concerns arise, leaders consult with relevant professionals, and staff hold discussions with the child about online risks. This has increased the child’s awareness and led to a reduction in online-safety concerns. Inspection report for children’s home: 2821486 3 Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of children’s individual risks. The manager provides detailed guidance within children’s plans, which staff follow consistently. This has contributed to the low number of incidents in the home.

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

There have been no missing-from-home incidents since registration. Leaders work closely with professionals to understand children’s historical behaviour patterns. This enables them to implement effective measures, including structured routines and engaging activities. As a result, one child who previously went missing has not done so since moving into the home.

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

However, management oversight of consequences is not consistently evident. Leaders do not review all consequences after they are implemented. As a result, it is unclear how leaders assure themselves that consequences are appropriate and proportionate.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is dedicated and motivated. She ensures that children experience individualised care and receive a high standard of support. The manager is supported by an experienced responsible individual who maintains effective oversight of the service. This partnership contributes to consistent, high-quality care across the staff team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff report feeling well supported by management. Leaders provide regular, high- quality supervision that focuses on professional development and staff wellbeing. One staff member told the inspector, ‘The home works so well because the manager creates a positive, supportive atmosphere – not just for staff but especially for the children.’ Leaders ensure that staff have access to a wide range of training opportunities.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Mandatory training includes safeguarding, online safety and first aid. The manager also seeks additional learning opportunities in areas such as child and adolescent mental health. Regular team meetings enable staff to review children’s progress, reinforce learning and reflect on practice. This ensures that staff are confident and clear about their roles and responsibilities.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Monitoring systems are robust and support continuous improvement. The manager completes monthly audits, which help identify shortfalls promptly. This proactive approach contributes to the high standard of care provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and staff work effectively with external professionals. One professional told the inspector, ‘Communication with the home, including the manager, has been consistent, timely and constructive. I receive regular updates regarding incidents, progress, health matters and school issues. Staff engage well in multi-agency communication.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2821486 4

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Statutory requirement

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

within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes—

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Requirement Due date

the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure; and

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Requirement Due date

has signed the record to confirm it is accurate. (Regulation 35 (3)(a)(vii)(ii)) 20 January 2026

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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: 2821486 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2nd, Floor Lansdowne House, 85 Buxton Road, Stockport, Cheshire SK2 6LR

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Inspector

Chanel Bryant, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2821486 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 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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