Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2788446 1 Registered provider: Lancashire County Council

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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 and operated by a local authority. It is registered to care for two children who may have social and emotional difficulties. There were 2 children living in the home at the time of the inspection. The inspector spoke with one of the children.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2026

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Inspection date: 14 January 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 14 January 2026

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector(s) evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has 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: 2788446 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff demonstrate genuine care and commitment to the children. They build positive and trusting relationships, and as a result, children feel valued and secure. This consistent prioritisation of their welfare and best interests helps children develop a sense of safety and belonging.

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Findings from the inspection

Educational activities are offered regularly, and staff have plans for children’s days but children’s engagement is sporadic. This limits opportunities for learning and personal development. The absence of predictable routines means children miss out on the stability that supports emotional regulation and progress.

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Findings from the inspection

The children have complex histories and needs, and several safeguarding incidents have occurred, including children going missing from the home, self-harming, being exposed to risks through social media, and damaging property. These incidents have caused distress and disruption for the children. Staff and managers have responded promptly and effectively, which has helped to reduce risks and maintain safety, reassuring children that their welfare is important and they are cared for.

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Findings from the inspection

Children do not experience consistent routines, which affects their ability to feel settled and maintain healthy sleep patterns. They remain awake during the night, leading to tiredness and reduced engagement during the day.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff report fatigue due to children being awake at night, and while extra staff have been deployed temporarily, the uncertainty of this arrangement can affect continuity of care for children.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager demonstrates strong oversight and a clear commitment to improvement. Innovative approaches to gathering feedback from professionals and parents are having a positive impact, helping children benefit from more informed and responsive care.

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Findings from the inspection

The staff team is not yet fully aligned with the manager’s vision. This means children do not always experience the same level of enthusiasm and focus on their progress.

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Findings from the inspection

All the requirements made at the last full inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2788446 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/04/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2788446 4

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Statutory requirements

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

The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

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Requirement Due date

understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children;

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Requirement Due date

use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

understand and apply the home’s statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

understand and apply the home’s statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

protect and promote each child’s welfare;

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Requirement Due date

provide personalised care that meets each child’s needs, as recorded in the child’s relevant plans, taking account of the child’s background;

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Requirement Due date

help each child to understand and manage the impact of any experience of abuse or neglect;

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Requirement Due date

help each child to develop resilience and skills that prepare the child to return home, to live in a new placement or to live independently as an adult;

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Requirement Due date

make decisions about the day-to-day arrangements for each child, in accordance with the child’s relevant plans, which give the child an appropriate degree of freedom and choice. (Regulation 6 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iv)(v)(vi)(ix)) 13 February 2026 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2788446 5 In particular, the registered person must ensure that children have a safe, productive routine during each day, including educational and leisure activities, and that all staff endeavour to engage the children in day-time activities. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2788446 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Lancashire County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: PO Box 100, Preston PR1 0LD

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Claire Rose-Dudley

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Inspector

Cathy Wilkins, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2788446 7 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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