Children's home run by Aspris Care North West Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2531755 1 Registered provider: Aspris Care North West Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately operated. It provides care for up to 3 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in April 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

Since the last inspection, 3 children have lived in the home. At the time of this inspection there was one child living in the home, and was spoken with during the inspection.

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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 outstanding

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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: 16 September 2024

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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: 2531755 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/09/2024 Full Good 01/06/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 14/03/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 09/03/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2531755 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home maintains a relaxed, calm and family-like atmosphere. One child has lived in the home prior to the last inspection, providing them stability and a sense of security. Peers moving in and out of the home has brought some challenges for the child, however the staff have supported them to manage their feelings around this in the best way possible.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child has made excellent progress in education. Improved routines have boosted their sleep and they are better prepared to start their day. Furthermore, a move to a new school has been successful. The child’s attendance at school has improved, and they are making progress academically and socially. The child has made friends and supports new students in the school as a peer mentor. Additionally, the staff help the child by supporting extra reading and writing in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child, who has moved on from the home, experienced a prolonged period before they left. Uncertainty about their next home caused some anxieties. Once these uncertainties were resolved, staff supported the child to visit their new home. The child has returned to the home for visits, advice and ongoing support from the staff. This approach further demonstrates the family-like culture that has been created in this home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is supported to understand their world through individual skills sessions. These sessions include discussions around reaching puberty, associated changes to the body, managing feelings and more. Additionally, the child benefits from being supported by a diverse staff team. This helps them to understand the world from other people’s perspectives and celebrate differences.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

While the interior of the home is nicely decorated and well maintained, the garden is less developed and not as well kept as the rest of the home. As the child spends time in this area, it is important that it is well cared for and enjoyable to use.

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

The child has benefitted from a consistent approach from staff in line with their behaviour management plan. This has led to a reduction in incidents. The child said that the staff are supportive and expresses trust in them to provide help during times of upset.

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

The child does not go missing from the home. Previously when one child did go missing, the staff were persistent in their search for the child. Staff involve the police where appropriate, and follow each child’s safety plans. When the child returns, they are made to feel welcomed back and cared for. Staff hold conversations with the child to Inspection report for children’s home: 2531755 4 understand the reasons for going missing and to find ways to reduce the risk of it happening again.

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

The child is supported to understand how to keep as safe as possible. They are helped to recognise the risks associated with unsafe adults, road safety and managing their emotions. Staff are working with the child to start developing their understanding of safe and age-appropriate risks, such as using a mobile phone responsibly and spending independent time in the community.

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

Risk assessments for the child are adaptable and regularly reviewed. They focus on strategies that best support the child. These child-friendly documents provide staff with clear guidance on how to meet the child’s needs effectively while reducing potential risks.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has created a culture of high aspiration and positivity. This is clear throughout the home and reflected in the exceptionally positive feedback received from all staff, professionals and children’s family members. All stakeholders describe the home as a family home, with children’s families expressing that they regard the staff as part of their extended family. This shared commitment provides the child with stability, security and consistent care, enabling them to thrive.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff team is deeply committed to their roles, to the child and to one another. Staff describe the manager as ‘dedicated’ and, ‘With a clear drive to ensure the best outcomes for children.’ Staff report feeling valued and respected. This enables staff to give their absolute best to their roles and to the children they care for.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff supervision sessions demonstrate that the manager and lead practitioners actively promote strong reflective practice. Staff are supported to reflect on the experiences and needs of the child, as well as on their own practice and development. This has ensured there is a culture of continuous improvement and progress, benefiting both the child and the staff team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has established highly effective and professional relationships with external agencies. She demonstrates unwavering commitment and ensures that the child’s voice is central to all planning and decision making. She is a determined and proactive advocate who secures the right support and services needed to meet the child’s individual needs. For one child, the manager has been tenacious in pursuing appropriate health services and support, as well as ensuring access to a suitable education provision. As a result of this child-centred advocacy, the child has experienced improved emotional wellbeing, increased engagement in education and greater overall progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager’s most effective monitoring tool is her consistent focus on capturing the child’s voice. She has a strong, visible presence in the home and this can be seen across all documents related to the child. She spends meaningful, quality time with the child, ensuring she understands their experiences and daily life. Equally, she has a clear Inspection report for children’s home: 2531755 5 understanding of her staff team, recognising their individual strengths and areas for development. This approach, combined with effective monitoring systems, ensures that any shortfalls are swifty found and promptly addressed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager’s hands-on approach has not detracted from staff development, and effective succession planning is evident. Members of the team have progressed into lead practitioner roles. They are well equipped to provide appropriate support and constructive challenge to their team. This is driving improvements in practice in the home, ensures high standards are maintained and consistent care is provided to the child. Inspection report for children’s home: 2531755 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that children’s homes are nurturing and supportive environments that meet the needs of their children. They will in most cases, be homely, domestic environments. In particular, the outside areas should be well maintained. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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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: 2531755 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Aspris Care North West Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2 Barton Close, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester LE19 1SJ

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Penelope Rafferty

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Inspector

Jo Birtwhistle, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2531755 8 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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