Children's home run by Platform Childcare Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 1264286 1 Registered provider: Platform Childcare 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 operated by a private organisation. It provides care for up to 4 children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in 2023.

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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

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1264286 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/03/2025 Full Good 19/06/2023 Full Good 07/11/2022 Full Good 21/09/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 1264286 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, 4 children have moved into the home and 3 children have moved out. At the time of this inspection, 2 children were living in the home. Both children spoke with the inspector.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child returned to her father’s care through a planned and well-supported transition. For another child, the provider identified that the child’s needs could not be met on a long-term basis. As the child’s needs became clearer, the provider made an appropriate decision that an alternative placement would better meet those needs. The provider worked closely with the local authority to support another child whose needs changed significantly. Their vulnerabilities in the community increased and they could no longer be safely managed. The provider worked collaboratively with the local authority to support a smooth transition from the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is spacious and child focused and provides a warm, homely environment, with children’s photos displayed around the home. The home is welcoming and comfortable.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are active and happy in this home. Staff know the children well and demonstrate warm, nurturing interactions. When children seek appropriate physical affection, staff respond sensitively. Staff are proud of children’s achievements. Staff use positive, playful interactions that children respond to positively. One professional commented that staff ‘really know the children and have built strong, trusting relationships with them’.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are regularly supported to share their views. Regular meetings give them opportunities to influence weekly meals, activities and daily routines. One child has contributed to staff interviews and enjoyed being included in this process. The manager also holds regular catch-ups with the children to help them express their wishes and feelings.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff work effectively with families to promote and maintain positive relationships. They recognise the importance of maintaining family connections for children. These are facilitated through video calls and face-to-face visits, in the community or at the home, supported by staff. One parent said that staff support visits well: ‘We work together as a unit and I really appreciate this. I can be the parent to my children.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff use child-friendly resources during sessions to promote engagement. A child who has recently moved on from the home told the inspector that they ‘were never treated as a care kid’ and expressed strong appreciation for the care provided by the staff team, saying they ‘hope the inspector can see how nice the home is’. Inspection report for children’s home: 1264286 4

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

Staff know the children well and demonstrate a strong understanding of their individual needs, challenges and associated risks. Risks are clearly identified, and risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated. Changes to risk assessments are communicated promptly to the staff team. This means that staff practice remains responsive and that children benefit from consistent support.

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

Recording is written in child-friendly language. Recordings are clear and reflect strategies that support children to regulate and understand their emotions appropriate to the child’s level of understanding. Staff apply the home’s therapeutic model effectively and this is evident throughout records. Positive moments, such as birthdays and shared activities, are captured well.

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

Missing-from-care incidents are managed well. Staff follow procedures and records show that they respond with curiosity and nurture when children return. Return home interviews are completed consistently, providing further insight into children’s experiences.

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

Consequences are proportionate and used appropriately, such as brief restrictions on electronic devices. Since the last inspection, 12 consequences have been recorded, all of which are suitable and clearly documented. There is also effective use of natural consequences and teaching moments, alongside high levels of praise and incentives to reinforce positive behaviour.

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

When concerns have been raised about staff practice, leaders and managers have taken swift and appropriate action. Immediate measures are implemented to reduce risks while investigations are ongoing. This means a strong safeguarding culture and prioritisation of children’s safety.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is managed by a suitably qualified and permanent registered manager. The registered manager is committed to achieving positive experiences and outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers are child focused and demonstrate a clear understanding of children’s needs. They maintain positive relationships with children and ensure that care is tailored to individual circumstances. Management oversight is evident in records and demonstrates that leaders monitor practice effectively.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Communication between managers and professionals is strong. Professionals say that communication from the manager is timely, clear and responsive. This helps to ensure that children receive coordinated and consistent support. Inspection report for children’s home: 1264286 5 Staff receive regular and effective supervision. Supervision records are detailed and the manager ensures that additional supervision sessions take place after difficult incidents. In conjunction with supervision sessions, the manager provides reflective learning sessions which have helped staff develop their skills and confidence. As a result, team morale has improved.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff say that the manager is approachable, supportive and easy to talk to. She listens to their views and takes time to understand their concerns. Staff also describe the wider senior leadership team as visible and accessible.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings are held regularly and are well recorded. They provide staff with opportunities to reflect on children’s progress and behaviours, discuss their own wellbeing, and take part in professional development. These meetings help maintain a consistent approach to caring for children.

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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: 1264286 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Platform Childcare Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: First Avenue, Centrum 100, Burton-on-Trent DE14 2WE

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Inspector

Sallie Bloomfield, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1264286 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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