Children's home run by Orchard Children Homes Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2626458 1 Registered provider: Orchard Children Homes Ltd

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private company. It provides care for up to 3 children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The manager is appropriately qualified and is registered with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 3 children were living in the home.

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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

Date of last inspection: 25 February 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2626458 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/02/2025 Full Outstanding 22/11/2023 Full Good 13/09/2022 Full Good 16/02/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2626458 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the previous inspection, one child has been welcomed into the home and one young person has moved on. Effective planning ensured the manager carefully considered the needs and vulnerabilities of the child moving into the home. This child was welcomed sensitively, helping them to settle and feel supported. The children who continue to live in the home have been there for 3 and 4 years respectively.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The young person who left the home experienced a well ‑ organised move to supported living, in line with their care plan. Staff ensured the young person’s needs remained central to all planning, which contributed to securing a new home suited to their level of independence and future aspirations. An outreach plan has been developed that recognises the importance of maintaining positive relationships and provides ongoing support as the young person moves into the next stage of their life.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are happy and settled living in the home. They are making progress from their starting points. One child has made significant progress in several areas, including education, health and social development. This child is supported to regularly spend time with friends and family, which has had a notable impact on their emotional wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff care deeply about the children and want the best for them. They work hard to achieve this by listening to children and advocating on their behalf. For example, when one child struggled with their education, staff supported them to express the emotional impact the course was having. By working collaboratively with the child and educational professionals, an alternative plan was developed that the child is now happy with.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff implement clear boundaries and routines that provide children with predictability. This helps children feel safe and understand what is expected of them. Positive relationships between staff and children further strengthen this stability, creating an environment in which children can grow and thrive.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is well presented and has a warm, homely feel. Children are supported to decorate their bedrooms to reflect their individual tastes. This promotes their sense of belonging and permanence within the home.

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

Staff understand how children’s life experiences influence their feelings of safety, which are often expressed through their behaviour. Staff have access to therapeutic support and use this effectively to identify approaches that meet each child’s individual needs. This informs clear preventative strategies that contribute to positive outcomes for children. Inspection report for children’s home: 2626458 4 There has been a significant reduction in the use of physical restraint. This reflects how settled children are, both in the home and in their daily lives. Staff use their positive relationships with children to support them effectively and, as a result, children are more receptive to staff guidance and influence.

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

Staff have a strong understanding of the risks associated with the internet and social media. This informs a proactive approach to safeguarding children, when using their devices. When concerns have arisen due to a child’s online activity, staff have taken swift action to protect them. Creative methods and varied resources have been used to educate children about online risks, including themes such as consent, helping them to develop and embed their understanding.

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

When children have made allegations, responses have been prompt and children’s safety has been prioritised. Support is provided both to the child and to the staff member who is the subject of the allegation. However, improvements are needed in the recording and reporting of these incidents. On one occasion, an allegation was not clearly recorded as such, and Ofsted was not notified in line with regulatory requirements. Additionally, the recording of complaints requires attention to ensure that they are clearly documented. Accurate recording is essential for effective oversight and to ensure that patterns and themes relating to safeguarding concerns are identified and addressed without delay.

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

Recruitment practice is careful and safe. When there has been a need for greater understanding about an applicant, this has been explored sensitively and respectfully.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is managed by an experienced and suitably qualified registered manager, who is committed to improving the lives of children. Their monitoring and oversight of the home are effective.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff enjoy working in the home and feel well supported by leaders and managers. They receive practice ‑ related supervision that helps them develop their skills and understand how to best meet children’s individual needs. In addition, staff receive PACE ‑ informed supervision (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy), which promotes self ‑ awareness and reflective practice by encouraging staff to consider what they are doing and why.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has taken a proactive approach to helping children understand the impact of their views on the care they receive. This is captured in individual booklets, which help children feel listened to and valued.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has created a supportive environment in which staff can learn and develop their skills and knowledge in response to children’s needs. Training is sourced when specific needs arise. For example, additional training on child exploitation and online safety has strengthened staff’s understanding of these risks and how best to protect and respond to children living in the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2626458 5 Staff work effectively with family members and professionals, which is reflected in the positive feedback received during the inspection. This joined ‑ up working has strengthened the network around children and contributed to improved experiences and outcomes for them. Inspection report for children’s home: 2626458 6

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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 for children’s home: 2626458 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Orchard Children Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Orchard Children Homes Ltd, 2nd Floor, 118 Calais Road, Burton-on-Trent DE13 0UW

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Inspector

Becky Rutter, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2626458 8 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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