Children's home run by Care2rise Ltd

Inspection report for children's home: 2839536 1 Registered provider: Care2Rise Ltd 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 3 children with social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection, 2 children were living at the home.

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Information about this children's home

This is the first inspection since registration. The home is led by a registered manager.

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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

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 for children's home: 2839536 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is welcoming and inviting. Children feel relaxed and comfortable living there. Children say they like their bedrooms, and their views are considered when decisions are made about the home's decor. This helps children feel settled and valued.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Some of the language used by leaders and staff, such as references to staff coming on and off 'shift', detracts from the homely feel. This language is institutionalised and does not reflect the home's family-style ethos.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have formed strong, trusting relationships with the staff who care for them. This is huge progress for both children considering their individual starting points. This helps children's emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Parents value the quality of relationships they have established with staff. Children benefit from observing these positive and respectful partnerships between staff and parents, which further helps children to feel safe and settled in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have a clear understanding of children's individual needs, which are accurately reflected in their care plans. Children's progress is closely monitored and is evident when measured against their starting points. Cultural needs are well recognised and considered. Children's wishes and feelings are regularly sought, and they are confident to share their views, knowing these are listened to and taken seriously.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager and staff recognise the importance of education and work effectively with relevant professionals to ensure that children have realistic, well-considered education plans that meet their individual needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are actively encouraged to develop their interests and pursue their aspirations. Staff support children to explore potential career pathways linked to their interests. For example, one child who expressed an ambition to pursue modelling has been supported by the manager to participate in a professional photo shoot to develop a portfolio. Another child who showed an interest in barbering is supported to volunteer regularly at a local barbershop, an experience the child enjoys and feels proud of.

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

The manager is not risk averse. She works closely with relevant agencies and children to help them take age-appropriate risks where this is safe to do so. This supports children to make progress and develop their independence skills.

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

Children are consulted and kept informed about decisions relating to risk management, which helps them to better understand these processes. As a result, children are less anxious and feel calmer and more reassured. Inspection report for children's home: 2839536 3 The manager has implemented a robust and well-coordinated response to exploitation concerns. This includes routinely reviewing risks with relevant safeguarding partners and supporting children to access specialist services that address their individual vulnerabilities.

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

Children have a detailed Philomena Protocol and missing-from-care plan, which staff follow consistently. The manager and staff provide an emotionally safe, supportive and welcoming environment, which helps children feel able to return home promptly and reduces the likelihood of prolonged missing-from-home episodes.

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

Feedback from professionals and family members confirms that children do not feel judged by staff. Children routinely share significant information about risks they face in the community, which enables staff to assess risk effectively and plan appropriate interventions. This demonstrates the strong, trusting relationships that children have with staff.

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

Allegations are taken seriously, and thorough investigations are undertaken. Relevant agencies and family members are informed in line with safeguarding procedures. However, one child's plan lacks clarity in relation to their allegations protocol.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is highly aspirational and demonstrates a strong commitment to her role and to the children in her care. She is passionate about providing high-quality support, and this is evident in her daily practice. Children benefit from the care and warmth she shows towards them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager knows the children extremely well. She shows compassion and supports staff to care in a way that is trauma informed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has strong and effective oversight of the children and of the home. The manager is committed to strengthening the staff team and continues to focus on building their skills and confidence so that positive outcomes for children are sustained and further improved.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff report that they feel well supported by the manager and that their views are listened to. They recognise that the manager understands their individual needs. For example, staff value both the formal support provided and the informal guidance they receive, describing these as equally important to their professional development and wellbeing.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staffing levels did not remain consistent during a time when the manager was absent.

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What does the children's home need to do to improve?

Inspection report for children's home: 2839536 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

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

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Requirement Due date

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home's statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child. (Regulation 13 (2)(a)(d))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person should ensure that the minimum required staffing levels are consistently maintained in the home to safeguard children and meet their assessed needs.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person should ensure that children's risk assessments are kept fully up to date and clearly reflect the strategies in place for managing allegations in relation to each child.

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Requirement Due date

Staff should avoid the use of institutional language. This is not consistent with the ethos and expectations set out in the home's statement of purpose. 27 February 2026

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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 for children's home: 2839536 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: 118a Barking Road, Royal Victoria Docks, London E16 1EN

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Inspector

Becky Thompson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2839536 6 regulates 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 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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Inspector

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