Children's Home run by Searchlight Care Services Ltd in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2490939 1 Registered provider: Searchlight Care Services Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private company. It is registered to provide care for one child who has had adverse childhood experiences. There is a manager in post, who registered with Ofsted in August 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is experienced and has an appropriate management qualification.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living at the home. The child was spoken with as part of the inspection.

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This monitoring visit

An assurance inspection carried out on 13 January 2026 identified serious and widespread concerns relating to the care and protection of children.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this monitoring visit was to review the progress made by the provider in relation to the use of physical interventions in the home.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager has completed a comprehensive review of the use of physical intervention. As a result, clear actions have been identified and are monitored regularly to ensure that progress is sustained. Additional training and focused team discussions have strengthened staff practice. Staff now work consistently and in line with the child’s assessed needs.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, the use of physical interventions has reduced. When interventions have occurred, they have been proportionate and only as a last resort to maintain the safety of the child. Before any hold, staff use a range of de ‑ escalation strategies that are in line with the child’s support plan. As a result, the child has improved opportunities to regulate their emotions, and the need for physical intervention has reduced. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2490939 2 When physical interventions have taken place, the registered manager has ensured that thorough debriefs occur with both the child and staff. This ensures that the child’s views are captured and that the reasons for the intervention are explained clearly. The registered manager reviews all incidents promptly and takes appropriate action when further learning is required to improve staff practice.

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This monitoring visit

All staff have now completed the relevant therapeutic training, including on the PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) model of care. This has strengthened their ability to respond to the child’s emotional needs and has contributed to a more consistent and settled environment.

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This monitoring visit

The child’s risk assessment and behaviour support plans have been reviewed and updated to reflect the child’s current risks and needs. The plans are detailed and provide staff with clear guidance on how to support the child safely. A streamlined version has been created for staff to use during shifts. This is easy to follow and ensures that staff have swift access to the key strategies required to support the child effectively.

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This monitoring visit

Staff, alongside the child, have introduced clear routines and boundaries within the home. This has helped create a more settled and relaxed environment. Visual prompts support the child to understand expectations and remain focused on daily tasks.

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This monitoring visit

Following the last inspection, the child’s local authority made the decision to move the child, and a new home has been identified. The registered manager is working closely with the new home to ensure that a smooth transition is in place. This joined ‑ up approach has helped the child to prepare for the move and to express their feelings and views about the changes.

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This monitoring visit

Not all the requirements raised at the last inspection were reviewed during this monitoring visit and are therefore restated. These will be reviewed at the next inspection. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2490939 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

01/10/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 08/05/2024 Full Good 29/01/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 07/02/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2490939 4

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Statutory requirement

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 with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

satisfy the requirements in paragraph (5)(a) to (c); and

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Requirement Due date

have the capacity, experience and skills to supervise the management of the home, or the homes, in respect of which the responsible individual is nominated. (Regulation 26 (7)(a)(b)) 7 April 2026

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2490939 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Searchlight Care Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Marcus House, Parkhall Road, Longton, Stoke-on- Trent ST3 5XA

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Denver Underwood

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Inspector

Lydia Isaac, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2490939 6 and inspects 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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