Children's home run by Underley Schools Limited in Bolton

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038276 1 SC038276

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Registered provider: Underley Schools 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 provides care for up to 48 children and young people who have learning disabilities, autism and social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in March 2021.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 18 children and young people were living in homes on the site.

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Information about this children’s home

Inspection dates: 10 and 11 February 2026

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 2 September 2025

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

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: SC038276 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care and protection of children at this assurance inspection. The provider continues to reduce the number of children who live in the residential home. Three children have moved out since the last inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have carefully considered which children should live together. This has led to lovely friendships between children and supported children to flourish. Children’s rooms are personalised, with each one reflecting children’s individual interests and likes.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are supported to make happy memories together. Staff added a large disco ball to the home’s ‘entertainment den’ before a New Year’s Eve party where children enjoyed dancing, karaoke and a buffet. The ‘entertainment den’ is also used for cinema nights and a space for children to spend time together.

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Findings from the inspection

Children take part in a wide range of activities. One child has increased mobility due to the creative ways staff have incorporated the child’s physiotherapy exercises into activities they enjoy.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s health needs are met within the home. Clinicians review children’s health plans to ensure they reflect children’s current needs. Staff are trained to meet the needs of the children.

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Findings from the inspection

Competency checks are completed to ensure that staff are confident if emergency medication must be given. When medication errors have occurred, appropriate action has been taken. This has included seeking a review of medication administration by the home’s independent visitor to ensure there are no shortfalls.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers ensure that safeguarding procedures are strong and effective. When children make allegations or raise concerns, they keep clear and detailed records. They work closely with external agencies, including the local authority designated officer. They fully investigate every allegation and take appropriate action.

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Findings from the inspection

Deputy managers used the findings from an internal investigation to strengthen recording and reporting practices. They set clear and high expectations for all staff. After reviewing the first training improvement session, they identified weaknesses and delivered a further training session to address gaps. As a result, staff practice has improved.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers review all incidents within the home and ensure that appropriate action is taken. The manager has not ensured that all serious incidents involving children are appropriately notified to the regulator. This has not impacted on the safety of children. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038276 3 Leaders and managers are aware of the impact of the ongoing plans to reduce the number of children living in the home. This is clearly reflected in the review of the quality of care report. Leaders and managers are working closely with wider agencies to ensure that upcoming plans for children are child centred. The manager strongly advocates for children’s best interests and challenges local authorities when necessary.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has met all the previous requirements set; however, one recommendation has been made. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038276 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

02/09/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 18/02/2025 Full Outstanding 06/02/2024 Full Outstanding 25/10/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038276 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(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious; there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there;

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Requirement Due date

there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious.

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Requirement Due date

A notification made under this regulation—

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Requirement Due date

the other persons, bodies or organisations (if any) who or which have been notified; and

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Requirement Due date

any actions taken by the registered person as a result of the matter;

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Requirement Due date

must be made or confirmed in writing. (Regulation 40 (4)(b)(c)(e) (5)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(b)) 25 March 2026 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038276 6

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Children’s home details

Provision sub-type: Residential special school

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Underley Schools Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Atria, Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4AG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Christopher Kirkbride

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Inspector

Alexandra Pearson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038276 7 and inspects 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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