Darwen House

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 1 Darwen House Registered provider: Inspiracare Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

This supported accommodation service is operated by a private provider. The provider can accommodate up to 13 children across 2 properties that are limited to accommodating looked-after children or care leavers. The provider operates in north-west England.

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provider

At the time of the inspection, the service provided supported accommodation for 2 children.

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provider

The provider registered in February 2024. The same individual performs the duties of both the registered service manager and the nominated individual. They have been in post since registration.

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This monitoring visit

On 1 December 2025, Ofsted issued a compliance notice, following a monitoring visit on 27 November 2025. The compliance notice was served because Ofsted found shortfalls in the protection of children.

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This monitoring visit

On 22 January 2026, a monitoring visit was carried out to determine the provider's compliance with the notice. The inspectors visited the provider's office and spoke to the registered service manager and 2 senior members of staff. In addition, the inspectors spoke to both children's social workers.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have amended their processes for notifying Ofsted when a serious event has occurred. Leaders and managers now notify Ofsted of all serious events, without delay. This helps Ofsted to ensure that the provider has taken the necessary actions to keep children safe. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 2 Leaders and managers have made several changes to the way that they record information on children's plans. For example, risk assessments for children now include more information about each child's vulnerabilities and the level of risk that they face.

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This monitoring visit

However, leaders and managers do not always ensure that children's plans are based on initial referral information. They do not always ensure that plans are up to date and created in consultation with the child. Therefore, plans are not always meaningful and do not always set out children’s vulnerabilities clearly. Information in plans does not clarify how staff can support children to reduce and manage their vulnerabilities. Leaders and managers do not always ensure that staff are made aware of the strategies in place to manage each risk effectively. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 3

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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 Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the 'Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards'. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

* The protection standard is that children are enabled to feel safe and that their needs are met.

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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

work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies, and share information where relevant to keep children safe;

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Requirement Due date

understand the relevant roles and responsibilities assigned to them by the registered person in relation to protecting children. (Regulation 5 (1) (2)(a)(i)(ii)(f)(iv)(vi))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that there is an up-to-date risk management plan for each child outlining the most appropriate strategy to manage each risk. This plan should include the vulnerabilities identified in the initial referral process and be created with the child.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the previous visit and is restated. 22 February 2026

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Requirement Due date

*This requirement is subject to a compliance notice. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 4

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to follow up information received by Ofsted and/or to ensure that the supported accommodation provider was complying with regulation.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 5

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider: Inspiracare Limited

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager: Shikar Aktar

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Inspectors

Steve James, Social Care Inspector Janine Shortman-Thomas, Regulatory Inspection Manager Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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