Children's home run by Physis Quantum Limited in Shropshire

Inspection report children's home: SC487794 1 SC487794 Registered provider: Physis Quantum Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private organisation. It provides care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since August 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, three children were living at the home. All the children were seen by the inspector.

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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: 21 January 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: Good

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Enforcement action since last inspection: none

Inspection report children's home: SC487794 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/01/2025 Full Good 16/05/2023 Full Good 11/02/2020 Full Good 09/01/2019 Full Outstanding Inspection report children's home: SC487794 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, three children have moved into the home and two have moved out. Staff maintain contact with children when they leave, providing continuity of emotional support. Moves into and out of the home are carefully planned and considered, resulting in most children settling well in their new placements. One child did not experience a positive ending, as their placement ended after a short period. Although the associated risks were considered, managers misjudged their ability to mitigate them and were unable to keep the child safe. The manager and deputy have reflected on this period and identified lessons learned to prevent similar situations occurring in the future.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and worries with staff, who take concerns seriously and seek appropriate resolutions. Staff interact with children using their preferred communication styles and language that is relatable and meaningful to them. As a result, children feel respected and develop significant, trusting relationships with adults.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is beautifully decorated and furnished, offering a warm and relaxed environment. Children’s certificates and photographs are displayed throughout, promoting a sense of pride and identity. Children regularly use the kitchen and lounge to spend time with staff, taking part in activities such as baking competitions and movie nights. A positive quote is written and displayed each week to offer children words of affirmation. These features contribute to children developing a strong sense of belonging and self ‑ worth.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff value the importance of learning and are keen for children to be successful. When children find education difficult, staff remain calm, reassuring, and persistent in their support. Managers and staff celebrate achievements and recognise effort through rewards. Staff also support children to pursue their chosen interests, such as equine studies and beauty. This encouragement contributes to children developing self ‑ belief and making measurable progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to attend medical appointments and manage their own health needs. In ‑ house clinical provision is available to support children’s emotional well ‑ being, with sessions delivered at a pace that suits each child. This has contributed to children engaging in regular and meaningful therapeutic work.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff understand the importance of developing independence skills that reflect each child’s age and ability. Children are supported to prepare nutritious meals, develop budgeting skills and avoid debt. Staff also help children with job applications, enabling them to work part ‑ time alongside their studies. As a result, children are well prepared for independent living and are increasingly self ‑ sufficient when they leave the home. Inspection report children's home: SC487794 4 The manager promotes social inclusion and new experiences. Children are encouraged to form positive friendships within their peer groups while engaging in hobbies and activities that reflect their interests.

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

Children said they feel safe living in the home. Their voices remain a priority in the daily care they receive. Staff recognise and respect children’s individual and differing needs. When challenging incidents occur, staff reflect on the child’s feelings rather than focusing solely on the behaviour. This enables staff to practise empathy and provide meaningful support.

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

Effective strategies are used to ensure children return home safely when they leave without permission. When staff lose sight of a child, they inform the police immediately so that a coordinated search can begin and the child can be returned to safety as quickly as possible. On many occasions, positive staff interactions have prevented situations from escalating further.

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

Physical intervention is only used as a last resort. Staff rely on their positive relationships with children to prevent the need for restraint. Incident reports show staff consistently using language that demonstrates care and support, contributing to a reduction in both the severity and frequency of incidents.

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

Staff use informal conversations to engage children in group discussions about risks, such as online safety. Risk assessments are clear and outline the actions staff should take to maintain effective safeguarding practice. Children are consulted as part of their plans, ensuring documents are child ‑ focused and reflect their wishes. This helps children to feel included in the decisions and processes that affect their lives.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is led by an experienced and knowledgeable manager. They are supported by a deputy manager with a varied skill set, and together they are dedicated to their responsibilities. The management of the home reflects a unified vision that prioritises children’s positive and progressive experiences. Leaders remain committed to supporting children even after they leave the home. This was demonstrated when they offered a short ‑ term placement to a returning young person, enabling them to complete their higher education studies and receive support to secure new accommodation.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Managers promote a positive working culture within the team. Since the last inspection, the manager has taken effective steps to improve staff stability. This has resulted in no agency staff being used and has provided children with continuity of care. Team morale is high, and staff report enjoying their roles and feeling well supported by leaders. Newly appointed staff complete a period of training before starting their role, ensuring they are prepared to provide good ‑ quality care. Inspection report children's home: SC487794 5 Staff receive regular supervision and an annual appraisal. Team meetings take place consistently and sometimes include clinical consultation. Time is spent reflecting on children’s needs and how best to respond. Advice is also sought regarding children’s emerging needs to ensure that staff responses remain child ‑ focused.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders work effectively with external professionals and children’s families. One parent commented positively on the manager’s quick response to issues and their commitment to resolving them. A professional also noted the strong communication within the team, praising the regular and informative updates provided.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Managers work collaboratively with education professionals and the clinical team to ensure that children receive cohesive care. Strong communication and regular coordination between professionals ensure that children receive consistent and continuous support. Inspection report children's home: SC487794 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 children's home: SC487794 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Physis Quantum Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: D P C Chartered Accountants, Stone House, 55 Stone Road Business Park, Stoke-on-trent, Staffordshire ST4 6SR

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Inspector

Latoya Morgan, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children's home: SC487794 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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Inspector

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