Social care · Social care assurance visit
Children's home run by Thrive Residential Care Ltd
Summary
What we read, and from where
Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.
- Group verified
Thrive Residential Care Ltd
- Inspection date verified
19 Feb 2026
- Inspectors verified
Colin Jones
- Name on report verified
2833469
- URN verified
2833469
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.
Tone of the report
How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.
Reads more warmly than most reports of this type.
How the report reads, start to finish
Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.
Strengths
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
Concerns
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
No strong criticism found.
Next steps
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- Children’s home staff should take reasonable precautions and make informed professional judgements based on the individual child’s needs and developmental- stage about when to allow a child to take a particular risk or follow a particular course of action. p.5
- Staff should discuss the decision with the child’s placing authority where appropriate. p.5
- Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2833469 6 p.5
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 7
- Words of findings
- 95
- shorter than usual (typical 479)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 39, typical 47
- Average sentence
- 16 words
- Next steps
- 3
- typical 4
- Hedged sentences
- 0%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2833469 1 Registered provider: Thrive Residential Care Ltd
p.1
Inspected under the social care common inspection framework
p.1
Information about this children’s home
This privately owned children’s home provides care for up to 4 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.
p.1
Information about this children’s home
The home registered with Ofsted in May 2025. The manager registered in December 2025.
p.1
Information about this children’s home
At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home and spoke to the inspector about their experiences of living in the home.
p.1
Information about this children’s home
Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good
p.1
Information about this children’s home
Enforcement action since last inspection: none
p.1
Information about this inspection
At these inspections, the inspector evaluated:
p.1
Information about this inspection
the care of children the safety of children the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have 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: 2833469 2
p.1
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.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
The child living here has been settled for a sustained period and continues to benefit from warm and trusting relationships with staff. These relationships underpin the progress they are making. They speak openly with adults, seek guidance when they need it and respond well to the consistent and nurturing approach in the home. Staff know them well and use this understanding to provide stability and reassurance.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
The child talks positively about staff and enjoys spending time with them. They feel safe enough to share worries and frustrations, and staff respond with patience and sensitivity. Staff help them to reflect on their emotions and experiences, and this has strengthened their resilience and their ability to manage emotional challenges.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
The child engages well with both tuition and school and maintains regular attendance, whereas before they did not. They show motivation to learn and speak about aspirations for the future. Staff work closely with education providers to ensure expectations are consistent and that any issues are addressed quickly.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
Family time is supported well and managed in line with agreed plans. Staff prepare the child sensitively, monitor their emotional responses and record sessions in a clear and thoughtful way. These records show close attention to the quality of relationships and the impact of family time on their wellbeing. Staff share relevant information with professionals so that decisions remain well informed.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
Safeguarding practice is strong. Staff understand procedures and thresholds and know when to share information. They are alert to changes in behaviour and respond quickly when concerns arise. This contributes to a culture where the child feels safe and where risks are managed well.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
Risk-taking behaviour has reduced. Missing from home incidents have stopped, with the last incident over 6 months ago. Staff understand the factors that previously contributed to these behaviours and work with the child to help them recognise risks and make safer choices. Their calm and consistent approach has supported a clear improvement in overall safety.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
Behaviour support is effective. Staff use de ‑ escalation well and are consistent in their responses, which helps the child regulate their emotions. Records show that staff reflect on incidents and use learning to strengthen their practice.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
Medication management is generally safe. One error was identified, but this was addressed quickly and did not impact the child. Leaders have taken steps to Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2833469 3 strengthen oversight. Risk assessments are monitored and updated regularly and reflect recent positive changes.
p.2
Findings from the inspection
A shortfall occurred when staff accompanied the child to an age ‑ restricted film. This was a lapse in judgement and oversight. Leaders have addressed the issue with staff and reinforced expectations around safeguarding and decision ‑ making.
p.3
Findings from the inspection
The manager provides clear and supportive oversight and ensures that staff understand expectations. They are closely involved in day ‑ to ‑ day practice and maintain good awareness of the child’s progress and experiences. This visible leadership contributes to a stable and well ‑ organised home.
p.3
Findings from the inspection
Supervision and team meetings are now well established, and reflective practice is evident. Staff say they feel supported and valued and are encouraged to think carefully about their work. Team meetings are purposeful and provide space to share information and review progress.
p.3
Findings from the inspection
Daily recording and key-work sessions have improved and now provide clearer evidence of the child’s experiences and the impact of staff support. Staff are becoming more confident in capturing the child’s voice and evaluating outcomes.
p.3
Findings from the inspection
Recruitment procedures now meet requirements, and all checks are completed before staff start work.
p.3
Findings from the inspection
All previous requirements have been met and there is a sustained focus on improvement. Leaders have a realistic understanding of strengths and areas for development, and they act quickly when shortfalls are identified. This commitment to learning supports the child’s ongoing progress and contributes to a culture of accountability and high expectations. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2833469 4
p.3
Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement
13/08/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2833469 5
p.4
Recommendation
Children’s home staff should take reasonable precautions and make informed professional judgements based on the individual child’s needs and developmental- stage about when to allow a child to take a particular risk or follow a particular course of action. Staff should discuss the decision with the child’s placing authority where appropriate. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 42, paragraph 9.2). Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2833469 6
p.5
Children’s home details
Registered provider: Thrive Residential Care Ltd
p.6
Children’s home details
Registered provider address: Guardian House, Capricorn Park, Blakewater Road, Blackburn BB1 5QR
p.6
Inspector
Colin Jones, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2833469 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.
p.6
Inspector
If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .
p.7
Inspector
You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .
p.7
Inspector
Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .
p.7
Inspector
T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted
p.7
Discuss this inspection
Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.
Join the discussion