Children's Home run by Roundhouse Care in Staffordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC404983 1 SC404983

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home is registered to provide care for up to two children who may experience social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There has been no registered manager in post since 18 December 2024. A manager was in place; however, they have recently withdrawn their application with Ofsted. A permanent manager has recently been appointed. They have not yet submitted their application to Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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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 has 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: SC404983 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

Two children were living in the home at the time of the inspection. Both children were spoken to by the inspector. Positive interactions and light-hearted banter were observed between the children and staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection two children have recently moved in and one has moved out. Despite careful consideration of children’s needs and discussions with professionals before they moved in, one child’s emerging needs became increasingly complex. Staff were unable to keep all children safe, and as a result, the child was moved to an alternative home. This decision ensured that the needs and safety of all children were considered.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s risk assessments are more robust and provide clear guidance to help staff manage risks effectively and safely. Where there are specific vulnerabilities, detailed safety plans are developed to give staff additional direction and support. This strengthened approach to risk management ensures that children are supported appropriately and contributes to improved safety.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are proactive when concerns arise about a child’s safety. For example, when risks of exploitation were identified, the manager and staff acted quickly to source external specialist agencies to support the child. This timely and coordinated response enabled the child to receive structured guidance and develop an understanding to make safer, more informed choices. As a result, concerns have reduced significantly, and the child’s overall safety has improved.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders takes allegations made by children seriously. Children are spoken to and their views are heard. Leaders shares all information with the relevant professionals to ensure that concerns are investigated. This helps to protect children from harm and increases their confidence that adults respond to their worries.

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Findings from the inspection

Learning experiences have replaced consequences, and the manager has introduced a more restorative and therapeutic approach. However, practice remains inconsistent, with some staff continuing to use approaches that appear punitive. The manager acknowledges that further learning and development is required to fully embed the restorative model across the whole staff team. This shortfall demonstrates that, while progress has been made, leaders have not yet ensured a consistently therapeutic approach to behaviour support across the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have effectively addressed the health and safety concerns identified at the last inspection. Combustible materials previously stored near the boiler have been removed, reducing potential hazards. Regular health and safety checks are now carried out to ensure that the home remains safe for children. This Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC404983 3 strengthened oversight promotes a safer living environment and reduces risks to children.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager was appointed following the last inspection, and her oversight has contributed to improvements in the care provided to children. However, she has recently withdrawn her application to Ofsted after accepting a managerial role in another of the provider’s homes. A new manager is now in post. Despite these changes, staff speak positively and express confidence that the new manager will continue to prioritise children’s needs and maintain the recent improvements in practice.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have addressed the shortfalls in staff training identified at the last inspection. Staff training is now monitored more robustly through supervision, and clear targets are set to ensure that training is completed within required timescales. As a result, one member of staff now has minimal outstanding training, demonstrating improved oversight and strengthened workforce development.

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Findings from the inspection

Supervision is more focused and provides meaningful opportunities for staff to reflect on their practice and learn. This has contributed to a more child-centred culture within the home and strengthened the quality of care that children receive.

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Findings from the inspection

Staffing arrangements have improved. There has been a significant reduction in the reliance on agency staff. However, several staff remain in their probation period and do not yet have the relevant experience or qualifications to fully meet children’s needs. Whilst leaders ensure that less-experienced staff work alongside skilled colleagues, the limited experience within parts of the team has the potential to reduce consistency and impact the quality of care that children receive.

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Findings from the inspection

Four of the requirements raised at the previous inspection have been met. Two requirements have been partially met and have therefore been raised again. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC404983 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/07/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 23/10/2024 Full Good 28/06/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 10/10/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC404983 5

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Statutory requirements

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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires, and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child.

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(b)(d)(e)) 24 April 2026

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Requirement Due date

The positive relationships standard is that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships based on—

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Requirement Due date

an understanding about acceptable behaviour; and positive responses to other children and adults.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

that each child is encouraged to build and maintain positive relationships with others.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the manager should ensure that any consequences given to children are reasonable and 24 April 2026 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC404983 6 proportionate and ensure that children are given the opportunity to reflect and learn from their actions. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC404983 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: c/o Phil Beasant Ltd, 14 Clytha Park Road, Agincourt House, Newport NP20 4PB

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Inspector

Julia Tompson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC404983 8 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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