Children's Home run by Semi-independent House Limited in North Northamptonshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 1 Registered provider: Semi-independent House Limited

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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 and provides care for up to 3 children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 2 children were living at the home. Both children were spoken to.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2022.

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Inspection date: 10 February 2026

Date of last inspection: 30 September 2025

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Inspection date: 10 February 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 10 February 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: 1259547 2

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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

Both children have appropriate education provisions in place. One child has recently started at a specialist school and is making good progress. His attendance is good, and he has formed positive peer relationships. The second child receives a bespoke education package, including alternative provision, tutoring and informal learning opportunities. He takes pride in his achievements, particularly in his artwork.

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Findings from the inspection

Children benefit from consistent daily routines. The registered manager identified that one child was struggling with sleep, which was affecting their education. She made a timely referral to a sleep-hygiene specialist. Following assessment, medication and a structured bedtime routine were introduced. The child now generally sleeps well, which is having a positive impact on his well-being and ability to participate in education.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is welcoming. Children’s photos are displayed throughout, and both children proudly showed the inspector their bedrooms, which they have personalised. The garden is well maintained, and décor throughout the home is of a good standard.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been 2 physical interventions. These were proportionate, necessary and used only as a last resort. The manager reviews all incidents and ensures staff and children receive debrief discussions. Staff demonstrate a willingness to learn from incidents, which helps reduce the likelihood of future physical interventions.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has developed performance development plans for all staff. These plans support staff to build their skills and ensure they have the resources needed to carry out their responsibilities competently. The manager continues to work with staff to improve practice and meet her expectations.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager had the same independent person for several years. She has recently appointed a new independent visitor to avoid complacency and to support continuous improvement.

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Findings from the inspection

A new, detailed impact risk assessment tool has been introduced. This supports the manager to gather relevant information about children’s needs and risks. The manager meets with social workers and requests chronologies to inform decision-making. The tool helped the manager identify that one child’s needs could not be met and therefore referral not accepted. Although no children have moved into the home since the full inspection, the new approach to assessing compatibility appears effective. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 3 Staff generally feel well supported. However, one staff member reported that supervision discussions can be disrupted and sometimes completed in two parts, which can detract from their importance.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has not completed the required managerial qualification within the agreed timescale. More recent delays have occurred due to circumstances beyond her control, including the need to change training providers.

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Findings from the inspection

Four requirements from the previous inspection have been met. One requirement has been restated in relation to the manager’s qualification. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/09/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 24/04/2024 Full Good 29/06/2023 Full Good 21/02/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 5

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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 Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

A person may only manage a children’s home if—

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Requirement Due date

having regard to the size of the home, its statement of purpose, and the number and needs (including any needs arising from any disability) of the children—

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Requirement Due date

the person has the appropriate experience, qualification and skills to manage the home effectively and lead the care of children

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Requirement Due date

For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b)(i), a person has the appropriate experience and qualification if the person has—

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Requirement Due date

the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) ("the Level 5 Diploma").

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Requirement Due date

in the case of a person who starts managing a home after 1st April 2014, the date which falls 3 years after the date on which that person started managing a home. (Regulation 28 (1) (b) (i) (2)(c)(i) (3)(a))

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Requirement Due date

This requirement is restated again from the previous inspection. 31 March 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered manager should ensure that staff receive regular, uninterrupted supervision. Supervision should be of sufficient depth and duration to allow staff to reflect on their practice, discuss children’s progress and consider any areas for professional development. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.2) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Semi-independent House Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 51 Ploverly, Peterborough PE4 6HZ

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Inspector

Amy Miles, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 7 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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