Children's Home run by Choices Home for Children Limited in Stockport

Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC008485 1 SC008485 Registered provider: Choices Home for Children Limited

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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 up to four children who may experience social or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

A new manager has recently been appointed and has submitted her application to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children's home

Four children were living at the home at the time of the inspection. Two children spoke to inspectors about their experiences of living there.

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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 inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have 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: SC008485 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

Since the last inspection, one child has moved into the home, and one child has moved out. Two children have lived in the home for over two years. Children are settled, safe and are making progress in their lives. One child described the home as good.

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Findings from the inspection

Relationships between staff and children are positive. Staff are child-centred and nurturing, and children enjoy spending time with them both inside and outside the home. Staff encourage children to take part in a range of enjoyable activities. One child regularly attends scouts and swimming lessons, while another attends cheerleading sessions and enjoys mini golf.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff support and encourage children with their education. One child who did not attend school before living in the home, engages well with a home tutor and is making progress with their learning. Another child has 100% attendance at school and is thriving in education.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff know and understand the children's risks and vulnerabilities well. Children's risk and behaviour management plans are individualised and regularly updated. Staff work proactively and collaboratively with other agencies to enhance the safety of the children in their care.

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Findings from the inspection

Appropriate and consistent boundaries are in place, providing stability and a calm environment for children. Children receive help and support to manage their behaviour and feelings safely. Children rarely go missing from home, and there has been a reduction in the number of times when staff need to hold children to keep them safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Children live in a spacious and welcoming home. Their bedrooms are well furnished and personalised to reflect their individual tastes. Communal areas are comfortable, and there is a generous garden for children to relax and play in. The manager has taken action to maintain the home to ensure that it is safe and homely.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are supported to spend time with people who are important to them. Staff have developed positive relationships with children's family members and communicate with them regularly. Where appropriate, staff support children to see family members at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

There has been a change in management since the last inspection. A new acting manager is in post, and she is experienced in supporting children in residential care. Staff enjoy working in the home and feel fully supported by the manager. One staff Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC008485 3 member described her as 'ace' and another as 'amazing'. The manager is committed to continually improving practice in the home for the benefit of children.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has ensured that all staff have completed training specific to the individual needs of the children. She has good oversight of the home and has introduced effective monitoring systems, which helps to promote the safety and well-being of the children in the home. The manager has high expectations of herself, the children and the staff.

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Findings from the inspection

All requirements set at the previous inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC008485 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

19/08/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/07/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 07/05/2024 Full Inadequate 26/09/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC008485 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Choices Home for Children Limited

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: 31 Wellington Road, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7ED

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Inspectors

Zillah Brooks, Social Care Inspector Joy Viles, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC008485 6 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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