Darwen House

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 1 Darwen House

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Registered provider: Inspiracare Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

The service is operated by a private provider. It provides accommodation for up to 13 looked-after children or care leavers across 2 properties. The provider operates in north-west England.

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provider

At the time of this visit, the service was providing supported accommodation for 2 children.

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provider

The provider registered in February 2024. The same individual performs the duties of both the registered service manager and the nominated individual. They have been in post since registration.

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This monitoring visit

Following a monitoring visit on 27 November 2025, Ofsted issued a compliance notice on 1 December 2025 due to shortfalls identified in the protection of children.

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This monitoring visit

On 22 January 2026, a monitoring visit was carried out to determine the provider’s compliance with the notice. Ofsted found that the provider had made progress. However, leaders and managers have not always ensured that children’s plans are based on initial referral information and kept up to date. Therefore, plans sometimes fail to clearly set out children’s vulnerabilities and are not always meaningful. Plans do not always clarify how staff can support children in reducing and managing their vulnerabilities. On 2 January 2026, a further compliance notice was issued requiring leaders and managers to address these shortfalls.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to assess the progress made by the provider to meet the steps set out in the compliance notices issued under section 22a of the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 2 Meetings were held with the registered service manager and the deputy home manager. No children have been admitted since the last inspection.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have improved their plans for children. The plans are now based on initial referral information and kept up to date. The plans contain meaningful information, which helps staff keep children safe and ensure that they make progress.

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This monitoring visit

On 2 March 2026, Ofsted held a case review meeting and determined that the compliance notice in relation to regulation 4 has been met. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to follow up information received by Ofsted and/or to ensure that the supported accommodation provider was complying with regulation.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 4

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider: Inspiracare Limited

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager: Shikar Aktar

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Inspector

Steve James, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Darwen House 5 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 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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