Children's Home run by Real Care Support Ltd in Lancashire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2829950 1 Registered provider: Real Care Support Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned and provides care for up to three children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, two children were living at the home. Both children spoke with the inspector about their experience of living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2025.

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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 outstanding

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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: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2829950 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff take pride in supporting children’s education. When children are not in formal provision, individual learning plans are in place. These plans cover a broad range of topics and reflect each child’s ability. Progress is evident, and both children now access tuition or on-site school learning through alternative provision. Plans are also in place to explore post-16 education options.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Education includes developing children developing their independence skills. Children are encouraged to manage their daily routines and prepare meals in ways that reflect their individual skills and abilities. During the inspection, one child made omelettes for staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from consistent, high-quality care. They benefit from a stable staff team and are settled at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children have developed trusting relationships with staff. They speak positively about the care they receive, describing staff as ‘pretty amazing’. Children say they get on well with all staff, although they relate more easily to some.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child understands their care plan, while another child’s plans are still being finalised. Despite this, staff work with the local authority to keep the child informed of changes and potential outcomes about their care. Both children said they feel safe, settled and want to remain living at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff ensure the children have positive experiences and listen to their views and interests. This helps children build trust in adults, feel comfortable in their care and experience improved wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff know the children’s individual history and needs. They use this knowledge, alongside input from the in-house psychologist, to communicate effectively with the children and de-escalate incidents.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children understand how to make a complaint, know who to contact and have access to relevant numbers in their rooms.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Specialist support is provided to all children in accordance with their individual needs. When services are unavailable or referrals are refused, managers challenge these decisions appropriately and identify alternative specialist support.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children experience well-planned transitions into the home. These include visits, time with staff, and the sharing of information to help them feel safe and settled. Inspection report for children’s home: 2829950 3

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

Staff understand risks and respond to incidents in accordance with behaviour support plans and safeguarding procedures. Staff respond consistently to ensure children are safe. This approach helps children in minimising risk-taking behaviours while developing their understanding of safety.

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

Staff support children in accessing specialist services, and interventions are tailored to each child’s specific needs.

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

Children do not go missing from home. However, staff know what to do if it happens. Each child has a detailed missing-from-home profile.

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

Children receive consistent care that is child focused and therapeutic. They are making good progress with support from staff who understand and respond effectively to their needs.

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

When incidents occur, staff respond promptly and ensure children receive appropriate and timely support. When external agencies do not act, staff challenge this and seek alternative solutions. For example, staff identified charity-based support when a child did not meet the threshold for a specific service.

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

Children feel safe and can express what this means to them. They speak positively about the care they receive.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager shows ambition and takes a proactive approach to leadership. He is committed to creating a nurturing and safe environment for staff and children, building on past experiences in management to strengthen confidence and practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff and external professionals consistently recognise the manager’s strong leadership, knowledge and commitment to children. Managers and staff provide regular updates to relevant parties, challenge decisions effectively, and advocate for children’s needs in a fair and professional manner.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is supported by a deputy who has extensive experience of working in specialist education settings. Together, they provide excellent leadership that is highly valued by staff. Both managers have a thorough understanding of each child, including their lived experiences, progress and the plans in place to support their safe development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff describe the manager as ‘inspirational’, ‘clear’ and ‘transparent’. His leadership promotes a safe and stable environment for everyone. He works collaboratively with staff to achieve shared goals. Despite the home being newly registered, the leadership provides high-quality oversight and guidance. Inspection report for children’s home: 2829950 4 The manager leads by example, taking an active role in the home and modelling the high standards he expects. He reflects on his own practice and seeks advice when needed. This ambition ensures children receive consistent care that prioritises their needs. Leaders and managers are realistic about the home’s strengths and areas for development and use this understanding to plan improvements that enhance children’s care and experiences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Partnerships with schools and other agencies are strong. Professionals praise the quality of these relationships and their focus on children’s needs, which supports children’s progress and access to specialist support, such as therapeutic input.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive training tailored to children’s needs. They benefit from regular reflective supervision that addresses both their own needs and those of the children. Inspection report for children’s home: 2829950 5

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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: 2829950 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Real Care Support Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Arkwright Farm, Eidsforth Lane, Preston, Lancashire PR3 1GN

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Inspector

Paul McKay-Smith, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2829950 7 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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