Children's home run by Independent Living Services (North West) Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 1278022 1 Registered provider: Independent Living Services (North West) Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned and is registered to provide care for up to 2 children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in April 2025.

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Information about this children’s home

There were 2 children living at the home at the time of this inspection. Both children spoke with the inspector to share their experiences of living at 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: 20 January 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1278022 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

20/01/2025 Full Good 15/10/2024 Full Inadequate 21/11/2023 Full Good 22/08/2023 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children’s home: 1278022 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children experience warm, individualised care that is shaped around their individual needs, preferences and histories. Staff know the children well and use daily routines, key work and therapeutic input to help them make steady progress. The supportive environment has a clear, positive influence on children’s confidence, stability and emotional wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Relationships at the home are strong. Children have trusting bonds with staff and speak openly with them about any worries, friendships and family life. Communication with social workers, education providers and parents is effective, helping to ensure that everyone works together to support children’s plans and progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children make meaningful progress in their health, emotional wellbeing and social development. Staff advocate strongly for children’s access to health services and challenge any delays.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Although education remains a barrier for both children, staff have secured tuition, online learning and creative alternative approaches. This has led to stronger engagement than in their previous placements.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s views are listened to, and influence daily life, routines and how support is offered. Staff understand each child as an individual, including their triggers, interests and preferred ways of communicating. Children’s rights are promoted through regular discussions, choice making and work around identity, relationships and staying safe.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children take part in activities, spend time with family and have positive, shared experiences with staff. They benefit from predictable routines and a homely environment where their emotional needs are understood and responded to sensitively.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Transitions in and out of the home are well planned and are handled carefully. Children who move out of the home are supported through clear planning, multi-agency work and ongoing contact to support independence. Staff support children who have left the home to develop their education, independence and healthy relationships. Children placed locally benefit from maintained community connections, reducing risks and promoting stability.

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

Staff understand each child’s risks well and use up-to-date plans to guide their work. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed, and staff take prompt action when concerns arise. This helps children to feel safer and more supported as their needs change. Inspection report for children’s home: 1278022 4 Children who were previously at risk of harm or of going missing from the home receive strong multi-agency responses. Episodes of children going missing are followed up thoroughly, with good communication between staff, the police and social care. The children currently living at the home do not go missing, and staff supervision has reduced risks significantly.

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

Behaviour is managed calmly and consistently. Staff use praise and consistent routines to help children feel secure; consequences are natural rather than specific. This approach creates a settled home where children understand expectations and feel respected.

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

Safeguarding arrangements are strong. Staff recognise the signs of risk, including emotional distress, unhealthy relationships and sexual health concerns. They share information promptly and challenge other agencies when responses are too slow.

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

Training and therapeutic guidance help staff respond to children’s behaviour and safeguarding concerns with sensitivity and confidence. Regular consultations and clear development plans ensure that staff have the skills they need to keep children safe. Newer staff are supported well and understand safeguarding procedures.

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

Children benefit from warm, trusting relationships with staff, who listen carefully and involve them in decisions. Daily routines, clear communication and close links with families and professionals help keep children safe. As a result, children feel settled, valued and increasingly confident in their own safety.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has a clear vision for the home and sets high expectations for the quality of care. They work hard to ensure that each child receives individualised care and support that reflect their needs, history and goals. Staff understand these expectations and value the strong direction provided by the leadership team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have a detailed understanding of each child’s progress. They track education, health and emotional wellbeing closely and intervene quickly when progress stalls. They challenge partner agencies when support is slow or insufficient, ensuring that children’s plans remain active and purposeful.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff feel well supported and speak highly of the environment created by managers. Supervision is regular and reflective, and staff describe leaders as approachable and available. Training is tailored to the needs of the children, with therapeutic input and development pathways available to all staff, including new starters.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager understands the strengths and weaknesses of the home. They carry out routine audits, review incidents and seek external input from the responsible individual. When concerns arise, such as gaps in documentation or issues linked to staffing, they take prompt action to prevent shortfalls and improve practice. Inspection report for children’s home: 1278022 5 Children’s views are routinely sought and influence practice. Leaders encourage staff to listen carefully, adapt approaches and celebrate children’s individuality. Equality, diversity and tolerance are actively promoted, creating a home where children feel valued, respected and able to express themselves safely.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The monthly reports completed by the independent person are not consistently submitted to Ofsted. Inspection report for children’s home: 1278022 6

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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 registered person must ensure that an independent person visits the children’s home at least once each month.

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Requirement Due date

The independent person must provide a copy of the independent person’s report to—

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Requirement Due date

HMCI. (Regulation 44 (1) (7)(a)) 2 April 2026

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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: 1278022 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Independent Living Services (North West) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Suite 4 Ena Works, Volunteer Street, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 2AY

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Inspector

Paul McKay-Smith, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1278022 8 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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