Children's Home run by New Focus Child Care LTD in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for children’s home: 2774522 1 Registered provider: New Focus ChildCare 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

The home provides care for up to one child with social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection, there was one child living in the home. The child provided feedback as part of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in February 2024. He is suitably qualified and holds a level 5 leadership and management qualification.

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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: 17 September 2024

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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: 2774522 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/09/2024 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2774522 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child experiences consistent nurturing care from committed staff who understand their lived experiences. This enables the child to develop trusting relationships with staff, enabling them to speak openly about worries they may have.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Before moving into the home, the child had no formal education arrangements in place. The manager and staff have worked well with other professionals, and the child is now in full-time education. Their attendance is good, and they are making progress with their learning. One education professional said, ‘The manager is very supportive; there is excellent communication between the home and school.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff work well with an external therapist who supports the child’s emotional wellbeing. The child had the opportunity to attend a telephone call with the therapist before meeting them in person. This helps the child to feel more comfortable and prepares them to engage in therapy. When there are barriers preventing the child from attending these sessions, staff talk to them to understand their concerns and help them to overcome these.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff understand the importance of supporting friendships; the child enjoys spending time in the community and at home with one of their friends. Staff provide opportunities for them to enjoy activities together. These experiences help the child to develop meaningful friendships and strengthen their social skills with others.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s views about the care they receive are sought and understood by managers and staff. For example, the child’s views about new staff are gathered and considered when reviewing new staff’s suitability. This helps the child to feel valued and part of decisions that affect them.

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

The manager and staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities. They are confident in raising concerns and know how to escalate them. When an allegation is made against staff, there is effective communication and agreed decision-making with other professionals, and thorough investigations are completed. This practice promotes the child’s wellbeing and safety.

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

When physical intervention is required to keep the child safe, it is always used as a last resort. There is strong oversight of all incidents. The manager ensures that there are opportunities for staff and the child to reflect on incidents and learn from these. Behaviour management strategies are kept under review by the manager. When strategies are not effective, they consult with staff and an independent psychologist to consider alternative strategies. This helps staff to develop confidence in using different skills to support and manage complex behaviours. Inspection report for children’s home: 2774522 4 Staff help the child to understand risks. For example, staff have spoken with the child about healthy relationships, the importance of good routines and boundaries and risks associated with substance misuse and alcohol consumption. This enables the child to make safer choices and prepares them for adulthood.

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

Missing-from-home incidents are rare. However, when the child is not where they are supposed to be, staff respond with a consistent approach. They actively look for the child and follow agreed plans. The manager regularly reviews the child’s plan for spending time in the community with friends to ensure that risks are managed well.

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

Safe recruitment processes are effective. New staff are allocated a mentor and complete a comprehensive induction programme. This ensures that new staff feel supported in their role and that children are cared for by suitable individuals.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is a confident and inspirational leader. He is supported by an experienced deputy manager. Together, they make a highly effective management team, ensuring that there is excellent oversight of the quality of care the child receives.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Positive experiences and strong progress for the child are paramount to the manager. He has effective monitoring systems in place to evaluate the child’s progress and identify where additional support is needed. This has strengthened the support the child receives and helps staff to respond to the child’s changing needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is held in exceptionally high regard by staff. One staff member said, ‘He goes above and beyond; he cares about staff wellbeing and, most importantly, the child’s.’ This strong leadership contributes to a stable and consistent staff team that remains committed to providing high ‑ quality care to the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Regular, high ‑ quality supervision provides staff with structured opportunities to reflect on their practice and identify areas for further development. Monthly team meetings are similarly reflective and well informed, and they are used effectively to review the child’s care, experiences and progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff have access to a range of mandatory and additional training to ensure that staff have the skills and knowledge to meet the specific needs of the child. Staff have attended training to help them to understand different attachment styles. This demonstrates a commitment to staff development and ensuring that the child receives the support and care they need.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Professionals who support the child are overwhelmingly positive about the manager and staff. One independent reviewing officer said, ‘They have shown a great commitment to [name of child].’ This effective partnership working places the child at the centre of practice and ensures their welfare remains the priority. Inspection report for children’s home: 2774522 5 No requirements or recommendations have been made following this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2774522 6

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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: 2774522 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: New Focus Childcare Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit A4, City Trade Park, Dewsbury Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 2TE

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Inspector

Kirsty Truesdale, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2774522 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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