Children's home run by Stepping Stones Care (Midlands) Limited

Inspection report children's home: 2832094 1 Registered provider: Stepping Stones Care (Midlands) Limited

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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 registered with Ofsted in June 2025 and is operated by a private organisation. The home provides care for up to three children who may experience social and emotional difficulties and/or have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children's home

The manager also registered with Ofsted in June 2025 and is suitably qualified.

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Information about this children's home

This was the home’s first full inspection since being registered.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of this inspection, three children were living at the home, no children have left the home.

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Information about this children's home

All three children spent time with the inspector during this inspection.

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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: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report children's home: 2832094 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children moving into the home are well supported through a structured introduction process. They are offered opportunities to visit the home prior to moving in. Children’s compatibility is carefully planned to ensure stability within the home. Existing children and children moving in receive individual preparation and support to promote positive relationships and a smooth integration.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is well presented and provides a welcoming environment. Children have personalised bedrooms, reflecting their individuality and preferences. Communal areas are actively used, promoting a sense of community. Mealtimes are a shared experience with children and staff eating together each evening, enjoying the time they spend together. Children are encouraged and supported to participate in meal preparation, developing independence skills.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff demonstrate a thorough understanding of children's cultural and religious needs. They take time to learn about and respect these aspects of the children’s lives, ensuring that children are fully supported to practice their faith and participate in their cultural identity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are prioritised within the home. Staff receive targeted training related to individual diagnoses, enabling them to understand the potential impact on each child and provide informed care. Emotional well-being is actively promoted through the in-house clinical team, who contribute to team meetings, deliver upskilling training, and work directly with children to provide therapeutic support.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff maintain strong links with education providers. this support children in improving their school attendance from their starting point. Effective communication between staff and educators ensures that aspirations for children’s learning and development progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged and supported to participate in a variety of activities within the community, such as football, choir and attending church. They are also able to welcome friends and family into the home, which promotes a sense of belonging and helps them feel settled and secure.

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

Children said that they feel safe in the home. They have positive and trusting relationships with staff, this helps children feel secure and confident that when they raise concerns they will be listened to and staff will respond quickly to promote their welfare. Inspection report children's home: 2832094 3 Staff apply clear and consistent routines and boundaries, which help children to understand expectations, make positive choices, and feel safe. This approach promotes stability and supports children’s emotional and social development.

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

Children are supported to develop a clear understanding of online risks and how to keep themselves safe when using the internet and social media. Staff provide guidance and education that enables children to make informed choices and use technology responsibly. This is achieved through regular discussions, the use of age-appropriate online resources, and the implementation of appropriate filtering and monitoring software to ensure that all children’s online activity is overseen safely

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

Recruitment processes are carried out safely, in line with safer recruitment practices. Comprehensive checks are completed by the registered manager before staff commence work to assess the suitability of adult coming into the home. This thorough approach ensures that individuals employed in the home are vetted and met the required criteria to provide care and support to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager demonstrates effective leadership of the home and is well supported by a competent deputy. She is confident in her role and advocates strongly for the children, ensuring their needs and rights are prioritised. Together, they lead an enthusiastic, motivated, and committed staff team who provide children with stability and consistency of care. This strong leadership and teamwork create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported to achieve positive outcomes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager demonstrates a consistent commitment to improving the quality of care for children. She uses a range of effective quality assurance systems to maintain clear oversight of staff practice and to monitor children’s progress and experiences. This ensures that any shortfalls are identified promptly and that children benefit from consistently good care that meets their individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings are held regularly and are well attended by staff, providing a forum for sharing information and promoting consistent practice. Guidance from the in-house clinical team is actively sought and shared across the team, enabling staff to develop their skills and approaches to better understanding children’s needs and vulnerabilities. This collaborative and informed practice ensures that children receive effective, therapeutic support tailored to their individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

New staff benefit from a well-structured induction that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed for their roles. Also, regular reflective supervision provides opportunities for staff to reflect on their practice, what the progress children are making and consider further areas of development for the service. This reflective approach supports continuous improvement and ensures that children receive consistently good care. Inspection report children's home: 2832094 4 Professional feedback about the home is positive. On occasions where there have been difficulties with communication or information sharing, the manager has acted promptly and effectively to challenge and escalate concerns. This proactiveness ensures that children’s needs remain the priority of everyone involved in their care arrangements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were made at this inspection. Inspection report children's home: 2832094 5

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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 children's home: 2832094 6

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Stepping Stones Care (Midlands) Limited

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Camomile House, 6 Embassy Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TP

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Inspector

Kate Savage, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children's home: 2832094 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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Inspector

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