Children's home run by First Blue Healthcare Limited

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2560648 1

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home registered with Ofsted in December 2019 and is owned by a private company. It provides care for up to three children who have experienced trauma and who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, one child was living in the home.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2024 and is suitably qualified.

p.1

This monitoring visit

On 11 and 12 November 2025, Ofsted carried out a full inspection of the home. Serious and widespread concerns in relation to safeguarding practice and in leadership and management were identified. The home was judged to be inadequate. Consequently, Ofsted issued a compliance notice under Regulation 12, The protection of children standard.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The purpose of the visit was to review the provider’s progress in addressing the steps set out in the compliance notice. The inspector also considered the progress made in addressing the requirements raised at the previous inspection.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, leaders and managers have implemented a comprehensive improvement plan for the home. They have reviewed all children’s plans, including risk management plans, to ensure they reflect children’s lived experiences, current and emerging risks and vulnerabilities. Clear, regularly updated guidance is in place for staff to follow. Robust systems are in pace to monitor children’s progress against their plans, ensuring that support remains responsive and effective.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Leaders have ensured that staff have undertaken additional safeguarding training, with a clear emphasis on professional curiosity, managing allegations, and recognising indicators of grooming. Leaders place a strong focus on developing Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2560648 2 safeguarding knowledge through regular team meetings and individual staff supervision sessions. These arrangements enable managers to monitor staff’s understanding effectively and maintain robust safeguarding practice.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Staff receive clear guidance on how to manage safeguarding concerns, which enables them to respond quickly and appropriately when incidents occur. Leaders ensure that staff understand their safeguarding roles and responsibilities, and they provide effective oversight to check that procedures are followed in line with statutory requirements. As a result, safeguarding information is recorded accurately and shared promptly with Ofsted and relevant professionals. This contributes to an improved safeguarding culture within the home.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have created and developed monitoring systems to ensure that staff safeguarding practices are monitored effectively. Management and quality assurance audits ensure that the correct processes are followed, and any follow up actions are completed. Strong management and senior leadership oversight also ensures that safeguarding tasks are completed and followed up promptly to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Children receive appropriate support and reassurance following significant incidents. The in ‑ house therapist and staff provide nurturing responses and clear strategies to help children manage their feelings and behaviours. The therapist is used to help children process trauma effectively and to offer staff guidance on how to engage with and support children in a consistent and informed way.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Leaders prioritise reflective practice following incidents and are embedding this approach consistently across the staff team. As a result, learning from incidents is clearly identified and informs practice, strengthening staff responses and ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing are maintained effectively.

p.2

This monitoring visit

As a result of this inspection, the compliance notice under regulation 12 and all previous requirements raised have been met. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2560648 3

p.2

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 11/11/2025 Full Inadequate 06/01/2025 Full Good 24/10/2023 Full Good 17/01/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2560648 4

p.3

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children's home since its last Ofsted inspection.

p.4

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2560648 5

p.4

Children's home details

Registered provider: First Blue Healthcare Limited

p.5

Children's home details

Registered provider address: Seighford Hall, Clanford Road, Seighford, Stafford ST18 9NL

p.5

Inspector

Menaka De Silva, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2560648 6 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.

p.5

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

p.6

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk.

p.6

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn.

p.6

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6