Children's home run by Action for Children in Watford

Inspection report for children’s home: SC020675 1 SC020675 Registered provider: Action for Children

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a charitable organisation and is registered to provide care for children with learning and/or physical disabilities. It is currently registered for up to three children to live permanently at the home, and for one child to stay for short breaks. No children have accessed short breaks since May 2025, and the provider has submitted a variation request to accommodate four children permanently. This is being reviewed by Ofsted.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered in September 2024. She is suitably experienced and qualified.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection there were three children living at the home. They all spent time with the inspector and contributed to this inspection.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

p.1

outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

p.1

outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

p.1

outstanding

Date of last inspection: 25 February 2025

p.1

outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC020675 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/02/2025 Full Good 27/02/2024 Full Outstanding 14/02/2023 Full Good 16/11/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC020675 3

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The children are making fantastic progress. One child moved into the home five months ago and their social worker described the child’s progress as ‘remarkable’. Other children have lived at the home for over three years which provides stability and creates a sense of belonging. Feedback from the children’s parents about their care is excellent.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Care planning for new children who move into the home is thoughtful. Staff prepared a photo book and recorded welcome messages so the child could become familiar with the home before arrival. Other children also contributed by writing letters describing what life in the home is like. The child responded with excitement about moving in. These exchanges reflect a nurturing culture where children feel welcomed, valued, and safe from the outset.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children move on in line with their plans. They are supported to gain important life skills as they prepare for adulthood. A huge birthday party was held for one child who moved on, in their honour, to celebrate their time at the home.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children’s achievements are consistently recognised and celebrated. Staff understand that progress is made through small steps, and these are acknowledged as significant milestones for the children. One child’s interest was nurtured through a gradual, sensitive approach and over time, their confidence and tolerance for busy environments has grown. This is a massive achievement.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children’s experiences are exceptional. A recent holiday for one child was a dream come true and was an exciting and unforgettable adventure. The experience created lasting memories, and the staff overcame several challenges to make the trip possible.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

All children are in full-time education, and they are making good academic progress. A teacher explained that staff provide daily support in school to ensure the child does not miss their learning.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children’s cultural needs are well supported. A traditional celebration was held in the home to promote one child’s cultural identity. Children are also offered opportunities to learn about a range of cultural events, helping them to understand and appreciate differences. Staff have also shared research across the organisation to highlight the importance of Black History Month and raise wider awareness.

p.3

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

Children are safe, and safeguarding concerns are extremely rare. Nonetheless, clear safety plans are in place, and staff remain vigilant to any indicators that a child may be Inspection report for children’s home: SC020675 4 at risk of harm. Staff know the children exceptionally well, and this is a key factor in keeping them safe.

p.3

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

The manager promotes a strong safeguarding culture, and she constantly tests the safeguarding knowledge of staff using scenarios that explore a range of safeguarding situations and assure her that her staff know how to identify and respond to concerns in line with expectations. Parents and external professionals report that children are safe and are consistently well cared for.

p.4

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

Safeguarding practice is strengthened further through effective partnership working.

p.4

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

A child’s teacher described how staff have shared highly detailed and comprehensive information about a child’s complex needs. This enables school staff to keep the child safe throughout the day and ensures there is clarity about how to respond to potential risks.

p.4

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

Incidents are infrequent. Staff understand that children’s behaviour is a form of communication, and when incidents occur, they respond with exceptional skill, using calm and sensitive de-escalation strategies tailored to each child’s plan. The manager reviews all incidents to understand what was happening for the child at that time, identify any triggers and adapt approaches. This ensures that children’s care remains responsive to their needs. This approach is having a positive impact on children’s progress and overall development.

p.4

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

Staff work proactively and creatively with children to help them to keep themselves safe. One child is learning to keep themselves safer when they are using their wheelchair which is a new skill for them. These tailored approaches show that staff have a deep understanding of children’s needs which contribute to the children becoming safer over time.

p.4

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

Children receive their medication as prescribed. Since the last inspection, there has been one medication error. The child was not harmed, and medical advice was sought to ensure the child’s safety. There is clear evidence of learning and reflection following the incident, and the manager has taken appropriate action to prevent recurrence, including arranging further training for staff.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The culture of the home is defined by an unwavering commitment to achieving excellent outcomes for children. Children’s teachers and social workers consistently describe the leadership of the home as exceptional. Partnership working with parents is also strong. Parents feel fully involved in their children’s care.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Management oversight is exemplary. Leaders have a clear understanding of the home’s strengths and areas for development. Monthly, in depth reviews of children’s experiences, progress and the running of the home take place. As a result, the manager Inspection report for children’s home: SC020675 5 maintains an accurate, evolving picture of each child’s needs and the quality of their care. These drive continual improvement.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders are innovative and creative, continually refining their approaches to maximise children’s progress. Their openness to new ideas, supported by research informed practice, results in exceptionally high quality care.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has high aspirations for children, and this ambition is shared by a highly motivated and stable staff team who describe the home as ‘a family’. This unity creates a nurturing and secure environment where children thrive.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff feel valued and appreciated, and their hard work is recognised. Their practice reflects the organisation’s values of being ambitious, passionate, collaborative and inclusive. The manager also provides quality support to other leaders; one leader described her as ‘wonderful’, noting that her guidance has been vital in building their confidence and supporting their development.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive regular, reflective supervision and they meet as a team monthly to share ideas. Team meetings introduce new sensory activities and therapeutic tools, building staff confidence which enhances the quality of children’s care.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

No requirements or recommendations have been made at this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: SC020675 6

p.5

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: SC020675 7

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Action for Children

p.7

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Action for Children, 3 The Boulevard, Ascot Road, Watford WD18 8AG

p.7

Inspector

Amy Richards, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC020675 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.

p.7

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8