Children's home run by Nottingham City Council in Nottingham

Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 1 SC424351 Registered provider: Nottingham City Council Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a local authority. It provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in December 2024. She is dual registered with another children’s home.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living at the home.

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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: 25 February 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/02/2025 Full Good 21/02/2024 Full Good 01/11/2022 Full Good 24/08/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children live in a comfortable and nurturing environment. Recent improvements to the home, including new carpets and updated décor in the main living areas, further enhance the warm and inviting atmosphere. Children’s bedrooms are spacious and personalised, reflecting their individual interests and identities.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child made a well-planned and supported move into semi-independent accommodation. This occurred at a pace directed by the child, giving them control and confidence throughout. Staff ensured that the child had everything they needed practically but were also attuned to the emotional impact of the move, both for the child leaving and for their brother who has remained living in the home. The relationship between the brothers continues to be prioritised, and both are settled and happy in their respective homes.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Following his brother’s move, the child remaining here was thoughtfully consulted about another child moving in. He enjoyed helping staff prepare for the new child, and staff ensured that the needs and personalities of both children were carefully considered. Shared experiences and positive interactions contribute to a strong family environment within the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to embrace, explore and celebrate their cultural identities. For one child, this has included enjoying authentic home-cooked food from their culture which has been prepared by staff. Staff ensured that Ramadan was observed with care and sensitivity, especially meaningful given two children’s experiences prior to moving here. This was followed by a joyful Eid celebration in which the children felt empowered, valued and celebrated as young Muslim boys.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children enjoy a wide range of positive experiences that enrich their lives. Children enjoyed their first seaside holiday, where they experienced several meaningful firsts and created lasting memories. One child is thriving in pursuing their passion for football, having joined a local team and attending additional coaching sessions that support his ambitions.

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

Children are well protected by staff who understand their individual risks and vulnerabilities. One child is at high risk of child sexual exploitation. The manager ensures that the child’s risk assessment and associated safety toolkit remain up to date, clearly reflecting current concerns, emerging risks and the strategies in place to keep her safe. A strong multi-agency approach underpins this work, ensuring that all professionals involved share responsibility for planning and delivering effective support. Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 4 This child goes missing from home, although she is more frequently absent without permission due to returning home late after her agreed curfew. Staff consistently follow agreed protocols and safeguarding procedures, contributing to a coordinated response to each incident. Prior to the recent child moving in, the staff team had not managed missing from home incidents for some time. To strengthen staff knowledge and

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

confidence, the manager arranged for a professional from the local authority’s missing from care team to provide targeted guidance and support. This proactive action has helped ensure a confident and informed staff response to incidents.

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

Two children were sensitively supported through care proceedings which concluded with decisions for both children to remain in the care of the local authority. With the support of therapeutic professionals’ children are supported to understand both the legal processes and their past traumatic experiences at a pace that feels safe and manageable for them.

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

There have been no complaints or allegations during this inspection period. Children feel able to speak openly with staff and express their wishes and feelings, whether these relate to personal matters or everyday routines. One child has shown a significant increase in confidence. Although this sometimes presents in playful behaviour, staff appropriately celebrate this positive development as a sign of the child feeling safe, relaxed and comfortable in their environment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is a strong and dedicated leader. She is competently supported by her assistant manager, and together they have created a culture in which children consistently experience high-quality care. The staff team is united in its commitment to understanding what matters most for each child and working collaboratively to ensure that children continue to thrive and enjoy positive, meaningful experiences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The staff team is stable and consistent. Where staffing changes have occurred, these have been carefully managed to benefit children. For example, staff have been moved between homes to ensure that this team has the right mix of skills and experience to meet the specific needs of the children living here. This has been particularly important in supporting children’s cultural needs, which has been a clear priority.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff report feeling well supported in their roles and speak positively about the guidance of leaders and managers. They receive regular, meaningful supervision that encourages reflection, professional development and continuous improvement. This reflective culture strengthens the quality of care provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings and annual staff development days form an integral part of staff learning and progression. External professionals are invited to contribute to these sessions, enhancing staff understanding of key topics relevant to the children in their care. For example, a professional from a local organisation provided up-to-date information on drug-related trends after a child expressed curiosity about something they had heard at Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 5 school. This proactive approach ensures that staff have the knowledge they need to respond confidently and appropriately to emerging issues.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff demonstrate commitment to their own professional growth through individual research projects. These projects focus on developments within the wider sector or on the specific needs of the children living in the home, and staff share their learning with the team. This contributes to a strong learning culture and promotes continuous improvement in practice. Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 6

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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: SC424351 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG2 3NG

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Inspectors

Kayleigh Spinks, Social Care Inspector Patrick Rowell, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC424351 8 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

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