Children's Home run by Alcedo Gold in St Helens

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842431 1 Registered provider: Alcedo Gold

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a private company. It provides care for up to 2 child who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in September 2025. There is currently no registered manager.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: not previously inspected

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector 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: 2842431 2

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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.

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Findings from the inspection

One child was living at the home at the time of this inspection. The child has lived at the home for a short period of time. The inspector spoke with the child about their experiences of living at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers thoroughly assessed the child’s needs prior to them coming to live at the home. The skills and knowledge of the staff team were carefully considered. This has supported the child to settle in quickly.

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Findings from the inspection

The child enjoys positive, trusting relationships with staff. Staff are caring and nurturing in their approach and the child responds well to this. Staff regularly talk to the child about matters that are important to them. A monthly planner identifies conversations that need to be held with the child to support their progress. The child says that they are happy living at the home and feel safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff encourage the child to express their views, wishes and feelings and these are responded to. For example, when the child expressed a wish to attend a football match, staff supported this activity. A punchbag was purchased to support the child’s emotional regulation. The child chooses their meals and activities for the week and shares their views on how the home environment can be enhanced. This enables the child to participate fully in their daily life.

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Findings from the inspection

The child is supported to identify goals and aspirations for the future. Staff are creative and use visual displays to capture important discussions.

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Findings from the inspection

The child’s education is a priority for managers and staff. They are not currently attending school, as their previous school is too far away for them to travel. Leaders are working closely with other professionals to identify a suitable local school. Staff provide the child with positive routines and structured educational activities. This helps them to prepare for a return to formal education.

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Findings from the inspection

The child’s physical and emotional health needs are understood by leaders and staff. Staff support the child to attend routine health appointments in the local area. Staff recognise when the child experiences a change in mood and respond sensitively and with care.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have a good understanding of the child’s risks and vulnerabilities. Risk assessments and plans guide staff on how to support the child. A robust missing from home protocol sets out actions for staff to take if the child is missing. It includes details about the response that is required in a variety of situations. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842431 3 Risks to the child have reduced since living at the home. The child has not been missing and there have been no concerns in relation to substance misuse or exploitation. Staff remain vigilant and know how to respond if these risks arise.

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Findings from the inspection

A permanent manager has been recruited and is due to start managing the home soon. The previously registered manager holds an alternative role in the organisation. They continue to spend time in the home. The responsible individual also spends time in the home supporting staff. Management arrangements ensure that there is effective leadership and oversight in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Some new staff have started working in the home since registration. Safer recruitment practices are followed and ensure that only suitable adults are working at the home. A robust training plan helps staff to develop their knowledge and skills. Research is used to help staff support the child’s specific needs and vulnerabilities.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff say that they feel supported by leaders and managers in the organisation. Prior to the child moving into the home, leaders met with staff to discuss the child’s needs and how they need to be supported. Responsibilities and tasks are shared amongst the team to support a teamwork ethos.

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Findings from the inspection

Systems are in place to monitor the quality of care being provided to the child and promptly identify any shortfalls. Staff receive reflective supervision and managers observe staff practice. Leaders have high expectations and aspirations for children who live at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

No requirements or recommendations have been made following this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842431 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Alcedo House, Unit 14, Slaidburn Industrial Estate, Slaidburn Crescent, Southport PR9 9YF

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Inspector

Anna Belshaw, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842431 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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