Children's Home run by Keys Nhcc Ltd in Shropshire

Inspection report for children’s home: SC020607 1 SC020607 Registered provider: Keys NHCC 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

This home is owned by a private provider. It is registered to provide care for up to 3 children with complex needs.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, there were 3 children living in the home, who were present and spoken to.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager left the service in December 2025. A new manager has started and is in the process of applying to register with Ofsted.

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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

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC020607 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/03/2025 Full Good 16/01/2024 Full Good 21/02/2023 Full Good 14/09/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC020607 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, 2 children have remained living in the home; one child has moved in, and one child has moved out. Children’s moves into and out of the home are well planned. When moves cannot be planned, staff take proactive steps to ensure that children feel safe, settled and supported. Staff recently assisted one child to successfully return home to live with their family, providing practical and emotional support throughout the move and helping the family as they moved into their new home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children make good progress in their education. Staff prioritise the morning routine to ensure that children are well prepared for their day. Attendance is consistently positive, and children arrive ready and willing to learn. One child has progressed to a full-time timetable, while another has increased their timetable in line with their needs. Staff have also actively advocated for another child who is not attending school, supporting their transition through a gradual, needs-led plan with the help of a mentor.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from the support provided by the home’s in-house therapist and psychologist. They work closely with staff to guide care planning and monitor children’s progress. Their clinical input ensures that plans are informed, responsive to children’s emotional and developmental needs, and regularly reviewed to reflect any changes or emerging support requirements.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children maintain relationships with those people who are important to them. Staff are empathetic with children’s families and recognise that by supporting family members, they are supporting children. One parent commented on how supportive staff are and how they have helped make things better for their child. For one child who has weekend overnight family time, staff work closely with the family to ensure consistent routines and approaches to care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are well supported to pursue their hobbies and are encouraged to explore new interests. Staff use their strong understanding of each child’s preferences to plan activities that are meaningful and enjoyable. For example, a child with a keen interest in football is supported to watch matches on television with staff at a local, family-friendly community venue, enabling him to enjoy familiar routines in a safe and nurturing environment. Staff have also sourced inclusive football teams for 2 children, ensuring they can participate in the sport in a way that meets their individual needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home environment is well presented, warm and welcoming. Children’s bedrooms are personalised to reflect their individual interests and personalities. Photos of the children are displayed throughout the home. Children also have photos of people who are important to them in their bedrooms. Inspection report for children’s home: SC020607 4 Children do not always enjoy one another’s company, and disagreements can sometimes arise. However, staff know the children well and use their strong, trusting relationships to help them manage these moments constructively. Staff promote positive interactions and model appropriate social behaviour, which supports a calmer home environment and helps children to develop their social and emotional skills.

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

Staff have a good understanding of the children’s risks and vulnerabilities. They understand how children’s past experiences affect them. Staff demonstrate to children that they are important, and children trust that staff will respond to their needs. This helps children to feel safer and supports them to develop a feeling of belonging.

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

Since the last inspection, there have been very few significant incidents involving children. Although incidents remain rare, staff have the knowledge and confidence to respond safely and appropriately should they occur. This demonstrates a stable, well-managed environment where children feel secure and well supported.

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

Children and their families are listened to, and any allegations they raise are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. The home undertakes appropriate internal investigations and promptly notifies all relevant external safeguarding agencies to ensure transparent and effective safeguarding practice.

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

Staff work proactively to help children understand that their actions have consequences. Through reflective one-to-one sessions, staff support children to develop their understanding of appropriate behaviour. As a result, 2 children are now making better choices, with a significant reduction in incidents within the home.

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

Staff know how to keep children safe when using the internet. For example, measures are in place to ensure that children remain safe online and when using a mobile phone. This includes restrictions, monitoring and educating the children about using the internet safely.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The new manager has integrated extremely well into the home. Staff consistently report that he is approachable and supportive and provides clear guidance. External professionals have also commented positively, noting that despite the recent management change, the quality of communication and support has remained seamless. This demonstrates the manager’s ability to maintain stability and continue to implement high standards from the outset.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff wellbeing is prioritised. Staff access regular individual and group consultations with the home’s therapist and psychologist, which supports their emotional resilience and professional development. Inspection report for children’s home: SC020607 5 Managers ensure that the home is staffed by a stable and consistent team. The manager provides effective leadership by working alongside staff when required, which enhances professional relationships and supports the delivery of cohesive and reliable care. This approach contributes to a nurturing, structured and predictable environment in which children feel safe, secure and well supported.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Safer recruitment practices are understood and implemented by staff responsible for this area of practice. All necessary checks are in place to ensure that children are protected from unsuitable people working in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders have high aspirations for children and demonstrate a strong commitment to improving outcomes. They foster effective partnerships with families and external agencies, resulting in timely and coordinated support. Feedback from professionals is positive, citing effective communication, nurturing relationships, and clear evidence of children’s progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were raised during this inspection.

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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: SC020607 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Maybrook House, Third Floor, Queensway, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 4AH

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Inspector

Sharonpreet Kaur, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC020607 7 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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