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

Inspection report for children’s home: 1249117 1 Registered provider: Searchlight Care Services Ltd

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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 operated by a private organisation. It provides care for up to one child who experiences social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2024 and is suitably qualified.

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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 good

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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: 11 November 2024

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1249117 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/11/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 04/12/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 07/03/2023 Full Outstanding 30/11/2021 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home: 1249117 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, no children have moved in or out of the home. The child living at the home has made good progress, supported by a consistent and stable team of staff who know them well.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff build positive, trusting relationships with the child. This helps the child to feel safe, valued and understood. As a result, the child is increasingly confident in expressing their feelings, worries and experiences to staff. This supports staff in understanding and responding to the child’s needs and contributes to the child’s emotional wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff adapt their approach thoughtfully, using resources and research to respond to the child’s evolving needs. This ensures that support remains consistent, individualised and effective.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Education is promoted well within the home. Staff maintain good relationships with education professionals and communicate regularly to share relevant information. As a result, the child is making good progress from their starting point.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff recognise and celebrate the child’s achievements through praise, rewards and shared celebrations. This promotes the child’s self ‑ esteem and encourages pride in their accomplishments.

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

Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the child’s needs, risks and vulnerabilities. The child’s plans are reviewed regularly, and staff use this knowledge to provide care that promotes stability, safety and positive relationships.

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

When physical intervention is used, it is proportionate, appropriate and used only as a last resort. Staff prioritise de ‑ escalation techniques wherever possible. The manager maintains clear oversight of any incident involving physical intervention.

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

When concerns arose regarding the conduct of a staff member, leaders and managers acted promptly and appropriately in line with safeguarding procedures. The matter was investigated thoroughly and without delay. This shows a strong organisational commitment to safeguarding children.

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

Consequences used in the home are fair, proportionate and restorative. Staff understand the value of natural consequences and encourage reflective discussions that support the child’s learning and understanding. The manager maintains oversight of all consequences to ensure they are appropriate and effective. Inspection report for children’s home: 1249117 4 The manager ensures that staff receive training suitable for their roles, including training specifically tailored to the child’s needs. Regular team discussions provide opportunities for staff to reflect on the child’s lived experiences and consider the potential meaning behind behaviours.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager knows the home and the child well. Both the manager and deputy manager take a child ‑ centred approach, which they model effectively across the team. Staff report that they are happy in their roles and feel well supported.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager and deputy promote a culture of learning and development. They recognise that the child’s needs can change and ensure that the staff team remains responsive. For example, when newly identified needs emerged, the manager undertook research to explore effective strategies and approaches for staff to use when supporting the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Safer recruitment practices are in place. Revised systems across the company ensure that registered managers have clear oversight of recruitment for their homes. The manager completes thorough pre ‑ employment checks and ensures that only suitable individuals are appointed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is a core team of staff who know the child well and have worked with them for a considerable period. At the time of the inspection, there was one staff vacancy. The manager has used experienced staff from within the organisation to support the home when necessary. This has minimised disruption for the child, as they already have established relationships with these adults.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has strong working relationships with partner agencies. Professionals reported good communication and effective sharing of information, which supports multi ‑ agency working and contributes to positive outcomes for the child. Inspection report for children’s home: 1249117 5

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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: 1249117 6

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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

Sophie Coogan, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1249117 7 regulates 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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