Children's home run by Sportfit Support Services Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2682524 1 Registered provider: Sportfit Support Services 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 run by a private provider. The home provides care for up to 4 children who may have emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since 25 April 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: 2682524 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

This assurance inspection was carried out following a ‘requires improvement to be good’ judgement at the last full inspection in August 2025.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has positive relationships with staff, who offer consistent encouragement and warm, nurturing interactions. The manager advocates strongly on the child’s behalf, ensuring that decisions about their education are focused on meeting their needs. As a result, an alternative education provision nearer to the home is now being considered to better support the child’s progress.

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Findings from the inspection

The child’s health needs are well understood. Staff check their health often and stay in regular contact with the specialist medical professionals. When staff notice any changes, they ask for extra checks or assessments. They also help the child get to appointments and follow the health advice given. To support a healthy diet in line with the child’s health diagnoses, staff are now cooking food from scratch and encourage exercising. As a result, the child feels more supported and less worried about their health.

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Findings from the inspection

The child lives in a home that is generally safe and well maintained, with clean communal areas. However, their bedroom was found to be untidy, with dirty items on the floor. The manager recognises this as an ongoing area for improvement and is taking steps to address it.

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Findings from the inspection

One child moved out since the last inspection. Staff supported them well by focusing on their emotional needs and giving reassurance throughout the move. They worked closely with the right professionals and shared important information so that arrangements that met the child’s needs could be made. As a result, the child moved on safely to a place that can support them well.

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Findings from the inspection

Safeguarding practice has improved. Staff learn about safeguarding through quizzes, monthly themes and regular discussions in meetings and supervision. They have also received extra safeguarding training. Risk assessments are clear and practical and are now better matched to the child’s needs, helping staff support them safely. Leaders and managers check safeguarding practice regularly and complete lessons learned reviews after serious incidents to strengthen practice. As a result, risks are better understood and the child is kept safe.

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Findings from the inspection

When the child goes missing, staff manage this well. They follow the missing plan, work with professionals to review incidents and focus on understanding the reasons behind the behaviour. Staff complete regular keep-safe work, encourage positive activities and support the child to develop safe independence. As a result, responses Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2682524 3 are consistent, risks are reduced and the child is better supported to make safer choices.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, the way medication is managed has improved. Staff have had medication training, and the medication policy has been updated. During the inspection, staff gave medication safely. Regular stock checks and audits are also carried out. Consequently, the child is receiving medication safely.

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Findings from the inspection

Improvements have been made to the management arrangements of the home. A deputy manager is now in post. Leaders and managers work closely together, hold regular meetings and complete frequent audits. Improved daily oversight in the home supports staff and children well. Leaders are visible and create a positive team culture where staff feel valued. This has strengthened practice and improved the quality of care for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Appraisals are now taking place. These are linked to supervision to help staff development and performance.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have received training to help them better understand the child’s needs. This links with the home’s way of working, which is embedding in daily practice. They also receive regular therapeutic support from a specialist professional to help them reflect and strengthen their skills. As a result, staff feel more confident, provide more consistent care and are better able to meet the child’s needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have thought carefully about how children move into the home and have improved the admission process. However, because no child has moved in since the last inspection, this new process has not yet been tested in practice. The requirement made at the last inspection will therefore remain in place. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2682524 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

26/08/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 11/03/2025 Full Good 25/07/2023 Full Good 01/11/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2682524 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 care planning standard is that children—

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Requirement Due date

have a positive experience of arriving at or moving on from the home.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

that children are admitted to the home only if their needs are within the range of needs of children for whom it is intended that the home is to provide care and accommodation, as set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

ensure the effective induction of each child into the home. (Regulation 14 (1)(b) (2)(a)(b)(i)) 30 March 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the home is a nurturing and supportive environment that meets the needs of their children. The home should be a homely, domestic environment. In particular, the registered person should ensure that children are supported to consistently keep their bedrooms clean and tidy. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2682524 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sportfit Support Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 63a Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HN

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Inspector

Chido Mangava, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2682524 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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