Safe Hands Care & Support Services

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Safe Hands Care & Support Services Safe Hands Care & Support Services Registered provider: Safe Hands Care & Support Services Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

This supported accommodation service was registered on 16 December 2024 and is operated by a private provider in the north west of England. It can accommodate up to 22 individuals in 5 shared of group living premises that are limited to accommodating looked-after children or care leavers and 7 single occupancy premises.

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provider

Ofsted had previously been made aware of serious safeguarding concerns from the police, local authority designated officer, and an anonymous source. Following a monitoring visit on 12 January 2026, notices suspending the registration of the service manager and the provider were issued the following day.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted conducted a full inspection of the service between 29 September and 3 October 2025 and found serious concerns in leadership and management, and safeguarding. A notice restricting accommodation and 2 compliance notices were issued. Following a monitoring visit on 28 October 2025, the restriction notice was lifted.

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This monitoring visit

On 27 November 2025, Ofsted carried out a monitoring visit to assess the provider's progress against the regulatory breaches. Leaders and managers had not fully addressed the shortfalls in the compliance notices.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this latest visit was to review the provider's actions in respect of the compliance notices. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Safe Hands Care & Support Services At the time of the visit, the service was suspended and no children were living in the accommodation. The registered service manager was not present due to suspension. Inspectors met with the nominated individual and director of the service.

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This monitoring visit

Two children have recently left the service. They were moved into alternative homes by their accommodating authorities.

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This monitoring visit

One director has not submitted an application as part of the provider's registration process. This means that the regulator is unable to evidence their suitability to oversee the supported accommodation undertaking. The director supervises the nominated individual and the registered service manager.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have updated risk assessment processes for children. Prior to the suspension, the service manager delivered a training workshop for staff. Staff are given the opportunity to reflect on their safeguarding knowledge and skills. However, it is not yet clear if staff skills have improved, or their application of risk management processes.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers dispute the reasons for the compliance notices. This means that change is less effective. However, they have implemented management audits and additional training for staff.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have regular supervision sessions to discuss their practice and professional development. There are also monthly team meetings. Leaders and managers focus on the emotional wellbeing of the staff team.

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This monitoring visit

Some staff have paid leave, and others are working for a different part of the company. Leaders and managers have a staffing plan in place if the suspension is lifted.

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This monitoring visit

Following the suspension of the service, the provider has not been able to demonstrate progress against the compliance notices. Ofsted will continue to monitor the service. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Safe Hands Care & Support Services

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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 Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the 'Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards'. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

*The protection standard is that children are enabled to feel safe and that their needs are met.

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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

are familiar and act in accordance with child protection policies;

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Requirement Due date

work collaboratively with children to help them understand how to keep safe, by offering guidance and support on how to minimise any potential risk of harm;

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Requirement Due date

work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies, and share information where relevant to keep children safe;

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Requirement Due date

understand the relevant roles and responsibilities assigned to them by the registered person in relation to protecting children. (Regulation 5 (1) (2) (a)(i)(ii)(iii)(f)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv))

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the last inspection and is restated. 29 March 2026

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Requirement Due date

*The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires, and leads a culture in 29 March 2026 Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Safe Hands Care & Support Services relation to the supported accommodation undertaking that puts children first and prioritises their wellbeing and development.

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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 supported accommodation undertaking in a way that is consistent with the ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the undertaking's statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications, and skills appropriate for the work that they are to perform. (Regulation 4 (1) (2)(a)(c))

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the last inspection and is restated.

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Requirement Due date

The support standard is that children receive individual and tailored support that meets their needs.

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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

ensure that plans for support are based on initial referral information, are meaningful and are created in full consultation with the child, taking account of relevant plans for the child;

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Requirement Due date

keep the child's support under review, taking into consideration the plans for support, and relevant plans, to ensure that the child's needs continue to be met and that the child is kept safe;

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Requirement Due date

engage and work with the accommodating authority if the registered person has concerns or if the child's support needs to be changed, including where that change may mean that the child requires more intensive support;

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Requirement Due date

ensure a plan for support is in place to support the child to develop the resilience and skills required to transition out of supported accommodation when the child is ready to live more independently. (Regulation 7 (1) (2)(b)(c)(f)(k))

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the last inspection and is restated. 29 March 2026 Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Safe Hands Care & Support Services The registered person must give notice in writing to the CIECSS, as soon as it is reasonably practicable to do so, if any of the following events take place or are expected by the registered person to take place—

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Requirement Due date

a person other than the registered person carries on or manages the supported accommodation undertaking;

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Requirement Due date

if the registered provider is an organisation—

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Requirement Due date

any change of director, manager, secretary, or other similar officer of the organisation. (Regulation 34 (1)(a)(e)(ii)) 15 February 2026

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Requirement Due date

*These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to follow up information received by Ofsted and/or to ensure that the supported accommodation provider was complying with regulation.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Safe Hands Care & Support Services

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider: Safe Hands Care & Support Services Limited

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager: Carmen Nosegbe

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Inspectors

Helen Wallis, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Safe Hands Care & Support Services 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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