Children's home run by Roots Care Group Ltd

Inspection report children's home: 2836026 1 Registered provider: Roots Care Group 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

This home is privately run 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

The manager registered with Ofsted in September 2025.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living at the home. The inspector met and spoke with the child.

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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 good

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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 children's home: 2836026 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s arrival was well planned, timely and child centred. Staff demonstrated a strong understanding of the child’s needs and interests, using the initial visit to build positive relationships, share clear information and establish consistent expectations. The registered manager supported this effectively by providing a virtual tour, photographs of staff and clear explanations of house rules, helping the child feel prepared and included.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff tailored the transition thoughtfully to reflect the child’s interests and emotional needs. This included involving a member of staff who shares the child’s passion for boxing, which helped build early rapport. Risks such as going missing and substance use were sensitively explored with the child, resulting in agreed boundaries that were clearly understood. The importance of sibling relationships was recognised and considered as part of the move, supporting the child’s emotional wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

During the visit to the home, staff created a warm and welcoming environment where the child’s views and preferences were listened to and acted upon. The child described the house as feeling like a home. Discussions about future goals, including re-engaging with education and continuing boxing, were positive and aspirational. Records demonstrate a structured and well-managed transition that supported the child to feel safe, valued and ready to move in.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child spoke positively about living in the home and said they feel happy and comfortable. They reported good relationships with staff and said they are supported to take part in activities they enjoy, including boxing, going to the gym and visiting the cinema. Although the child expressed some frustration about not currently having an education placement, they recognised that the manager is actively working with their social worker to address this. The child said they are satisfied with arrangements for spending time with friends and family and raised no concerns about living here.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home environment is well maintained and decorated to a high standard, providing a comfortable and nurturing space. The warm and homely feel supports the child’s sense of safety and belonging. Photographs of the child and staff further personalise the space and reinforce the child’s identity and connection to those who care for them, contributing positively to the child’s daily experiences.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Observations of practice show a caring and emotionally attuned staff team who prioritise the child’s wellbeing and dignity. The manager sensitively shared information about her planned departure, offering reassurance and emotional support. The child appeared relaxed and confident engaging openly with staff and preparing to go out with them. Interactions were warm, respectful and proportionate, reflecting a nurturing environment where the child feels safe, valued and listened to. Inspection report children's home: 2836026 3

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

There have been no safeguarding incidents since the child’s admission, and staff have not needed to use any form of physical intervention. This reflects the effectiveness of the nurturing, relationship-based approach and the consistent use of de-escalation strategies. The calm and predictable environment supports the child’s emotional regulation and promotes positive behaviour.

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

The child has not made any complaints since moving here. This indicates that they feel safe, listened to and appropriately supported in their day-to-day care. Staff are responsive and approachable, which helps the child to raise any worries early and contributes to a culture of openness and trust.

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

There has been one incident of the child going missing from care, which occurred during the Christmas period while they were spending time with siblings. Staff responded promptly and in line with the child’s risk assessment, procedures and safeguarding policy. Appropriate searching activity was undertaken, communication was clear and timely, and relevant external agencies were informed.

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

Missing-from-care episodes were a significant concern for the child prior to their admission. The absence of any further incidents since this time demonstrates a clear reduction in risk. This improvement reflects the effectiveness of the routines, supervision arrangements and the strong relationships staff have developed with the child, which help them to feel safe and settled.

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

Risk assessments and behaviour support plans are clear, regularly reviewed and show a reduction in several key risks, including aggression and fire-related behaviours. Staff use trauma-informed approaches effectively and adapt strategies as risks change. Where risks remain higher, such as unsafe peer influence and family-related vulnerabilities, proportionate safeguards are in place to support the child’s safety.

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

Health and safety arrangements are well managed. Fire risk assessments and other safety documentation are up to date and routinely reviewed, demonstrating a proactive approach to overall safeguarding.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager provides effective, child-centred leadership that has created a stable and nurturing environment. She maintains good oversight of practice, routinely reviewing documentation, monitoring risk and ensuring staff deliver consistent, relationship-based care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff describe the manager as visible, supportive and committed. This is reflected in a cohesive staff team, good morale and the absence of agency staff. Clear expectations are set for practice, and staff feel confident in their roles. The manager is proactive in advocating for the child, particularly in relation to education, and works persistently with external professionals to promote progress. Inspection report children's home: 2836026 4 Although the manager is due to leave the service, she has established clear transition arrangements to support continuity and minimise disruption for the child. This demonstrates forward planning and a strong focus on maintaining stability. Her leadership has been a significant strength and has contributed directly to the child’s positive experiences and sense of security.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff speak positively about the culture of the home, describing it as warm, stable and family-orientated, with strong teamwork and open communication. Induction and training arrangements are well structured, enabling staff to develop confidence and skills in managing risk and providing safe, nurturing care. Training is completed, and several staff hold or are working towards appropriate qualifications.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Professionals report positive experiences of working with the staff. The education provider describes proactive and collaborative communication that supports tailored provision. The social worker reports that staff know the child well, communicate effectively and provide consistent, child-centred care. She notes that the child is more settled, feels listened to and is developing trusting relationships, reflecting the positive impact of leadership and staff practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings are held regularly and follow a clear structure, providing opportunities to discuss safeguarding matters, children’s needs and learning from incidents. These meetings demonstrate reflective practice and result in clear actions to guide staff. However, systems for staff supervision are not yet sufficiently robust. Supervision has lacked consistency and detail, particularly during the early stages of the child’s placement, limiting opportunities for structured reflection and professional support.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers routinely seek feedback from visitors, demonstrating a reflective approach and a willingness to understand the experiences of those important to the child. Feedback from a family member and a friend described the child as ‘really happy’ living here. This reinforces the view that children feel settled and supported and that leadership contributes positively to their progress and wellbeing. Inspection report children's home: 2836026 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person must have systems in place so that all staff, including the manager, receive supervision of their practice from an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, which allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children assigned to their care. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 61, paragraph 13.2)

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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 children's home: 2836026 6

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Roots Care Group Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Office 40 Anglesey Business Centre, Anglesey Road, Burton-On-Trent DE14 3NT

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Inspector

Lauren Barwell, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Inspection report children's home: 2836026 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 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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