Children's Home run by Phoenix Learning & Care Holdings Limited in Plymouth

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC458811 1 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Registered provider: Phoenix Learning & Care Holdings Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is run by a private social care provider and offers care for up to 2 children with emotional or social needs. There is one child currently living in the home, who was seen and spoken with by the inspector. This child was living at the home during the last inspection. One child has left the home since the last inspection.

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Inspection date: 27 January 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 27 January 2026

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector 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: SC458811 2 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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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

One child has lived in this home for some time, and their hamster, Smokey, now lives with them. The child is making progress across all areas of their life. They are supported to engage in a range of activities and to create positive memories that reflect their interests and hobbies.

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Findings from the inspection

Following the last inspection, one child has been well supported to make a positive move into supported accommodation. The manager has remained in regular contact with this young person and continues to offer support when needed. To celebrate their GCSE achievements, the manager accompanied the young person to collect their results and shared in celebrating this important milestone.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive effective support, training and additional guidance from the psychology service, which helps them understand the complexities of children’s needs. As a result, the child is now able to access education and emotional support, progress that would not have been possible several months ago.

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Findings from the inspection

The child benefits from staff who take a creative and flexible approach to supporting their engagement in education. Staff work effectively with partner agencies to ensure plans are inclusive and nurturing. They are confident in trying different strategies and consistently seek out new ways to promote the child’s educational progress.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has strong, trusting relationships with the staff who care for them. Staff take the time to understand the child’s wishes and feelings and advocate effectively on their behalf. This has a direct and positive impact on the quality of care provided and the services the child receives.

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Findings from the inspection

The child is safe because staff have a strong understanding of risk and respond promptly and effectively when concerns emerge or escalate. Due to the trusting relationships they have built, staff are attuned to the child’s emotional needs and know when to offer additional support. This has contributed to a reduction in incidents of emotional distress.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, incidents have reduced significantly. Staff ensure they remain vigilant to emerging risks and vulnerabilities. However, there is sometimes an overly cautious approach to risk management, which means some aspects of care are not reviewed or updated promptly. For example, sharp knives continue to be locked away even though this is not an identified risk. This has not had an impact on the child’s safety or day-to-day experience.

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Findings from the inspection

When concerns arise about staff, appropriate action is taken, including making referrals to the local authority designated officer (LADO). When concerns do not Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC458811 3 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Findings from the inspection

meet the LADO threshold, managers carry out thorough internal investigations to understand the issues and respond effectively. Reflective learning from these incidents supports both managers and staff to strengthen their practice.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has implemented an effective action plan following the last inspection, and all previously set requirements have now been met. Steps have been taken to address identified shortfalls, and further plans are in place to continue improving the environment.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is child-focused and leads by example. He is a strong advocate for children, and when they are not receiving the right support or services, he escalates concerns appropriately. His persistence results in timely action and ensures that children receive the support and services they need.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive regular and meaningful supervision. The manager has embedded a reflective culture within the home, which is evident in day-to-day discussions, supervision sessions and team meetings. This culture provides staff with the time and space to reflect on their practice and identify opportunities for ongoing improvement.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s records are extensive, and this can sometimes result in gaps in organisational oversight. For example, there are currently 2 different systems used to record visitors to the home, and neither is being used consistently or effectively. This has not had a direct impact on the child. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC458811 4 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/07/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 09/10/2024 Full Good 06/02/2024 Full Good 14/12/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC458811 5 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record-keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)  The registered person should ensure that behaviour support strategies are reviewed in a timely way for effectiveness. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph 9.34) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC458811 6 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Phoenix Learning & Care Holdings Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Support Hub, Unit 5, Chinon Court, Lower Moor Way, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6SS

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Inspector

Tracey Ledder, Senior His Majesty’s Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC458811 7 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspector

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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