Children's Home run by Almond Care Children’s Services Ltd in Leicestershire

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2661513 1 Registered provider: Almond Care Children's Services Ltd

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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 provider. It offers care for one child who may require support with social and emotional needs and/or has a learning disability.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of this inspection, one child is living at the home.

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Information about this children's home

The registered managers position has been vacant since September 2025.

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Information about this children's home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children's home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At these inspections, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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'. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2661513 2

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Findings from the inspection

The inspector did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of the child living in the home at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

One child has lived at the home for 10 months. This has enabled them to develop relationships with staff at their own pace. Staff demonstrate an understanding of the child’s needs and remain committed to providing them with stable and consistent care.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are respectful of the child’s wishes and feelings. When concerns arise, such as poor bedroom hygiene, staff manage these with sensitivity. The child does not like staff entering their bedroom. Staff explained their duty of care clearly, agreed supportive strategies with the child which includes a weekly deep clean. This approach has helped maintain the child’s autonomy and trust.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff support the child’s health needs. When the child refused to attend local health appointments, staff supported them to access routine healthcare in their home city. This has ensured all their routine health checks are now in date. In addition, when the child declined specialist support from CAMHS, the provider proactively commissioned support from a private mental health nurse to help staff have a better understanding of the child’s emotional and behavioural needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have consistency tried to support the child to engage in different activities despite their refusal. There has been recent progress, with the child now contributing to the weekly menu planning and improved relationships with staff.

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Findings from the inspection

The child’s risk management and behaviour support plans enable staff to understand the known risks and behaviours. The plans provide safeguarding guidance and practical strategies to follow. This helps staff to respond to risks appropriately.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff respond appropriately when the child has been missing from home. Staff follow procedures and work well with external agencies. Staff consult the social worker and ensure the child receives support when they return home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff respond appropriately when the child presents with low mood or makes threats to hurt themselves. Staff offer emotional support, facilitate access to medical advice when required and conduct regular welfare checks and preventative room searches.

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Findings from the inspection

There has been no registered manager since September 2025. An interim manager is in post however has not applied to register.

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Findings from the inspection

One requirement from the previous inspection has been met. Further requirements have been raised from this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2661513 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

05/08/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 03/06/2025 Full Inadequate 18/03/2025 Full Good 19/12/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2661513 4

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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

have the capacity, experience, and skills to supervise the management of the home, or the homes, in respect of which the responsible individual is nominated. (Regulation 26 (7)(b))

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Requirement Due date

The provider must appoint a responsible individual who can effectively supervise the management of the home. 18 March 2026

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Requirement Due date

The registered provider must appoint a person to manage the children’s home if—

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Requirement Due date

there is no registered manager in respect of the home. (Regulation 27 (1)(a))

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Requirement Due date

The provider must appoint a suitably qualified and experienced manager. 18 March 2026 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2661513 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Almond Care Children's Services Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Almond Care Ltd, 4 Barling Way, Nuneaton CV10 7RH

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Inspector

Tazim Akhtar, social care inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2661513 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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