Children's Home run by Dalepeak Limited in Oldham

Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 1 SC005553

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is operated by a private organisation. The home provides care for up to 4 children with learning disabilities. At the time of the inspection, there were 3 children living in the home. One child was observed during the inspection.

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Information about this children's home

The manager was registered with Ofsted in September 2010.

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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 these inspections, 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. 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’. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 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 two children have moved into the home, and one young person has moved into independent living. There are no longer any adults living in the home and all of the moves for children have been well planned.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is a large, detached house which is clean and well presented. However, the bathrooms require upgrading and the manager confirmed that they have plans in place to address this.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff recognise the importance of children having access to enjoyable and age-appropriate experiences. Well-planned activities are now incorporated into children’s weekly routines, and the manager sources inclusive venues, including disability-friendly sessions. In addition, one child has been supported to go on a holiday to Spain.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s health needs are well met. Since moving into the home, children have gained weight and experienced improved sleep. One child has had periods of ill health, and staff have responded appropriately and advocated effectively on their behalf. The manager requests best-interest meetings when required to ensure that decisions about children’s health are made through a multi-agency approach. However, the manager has not ensured that clear guidance is in place for staff to follow after a child is discharged from hospital.

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Findings from the inspection

The use of physical restraint is rare. However, there are other restrictions in place to keep children safe that are not being recorded or monitored to ensure that measures are effective. Additionally, there are no plans in place to work towards these restrictions being reduced for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, staff have received appropriate training to strengthen their knowledge. The manager arranged a visit from the local authority designated officer, who provided staff with further clarity about their role and the processes for managing allegations. When children raise concerns, these are now managed appropriately, and information is shared promptly with relevant professionals. Children are also informed of the outcome of their complaint.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has introduced new records that allow for robust data collection to inform children’s plans. However, the manager does not always approve records and evaluate staff practice in a timely manner. This means that minor shortfalls in staff practice have not been identified or addressed. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 3 Staff now receive individualised supervision sessions that allow them to reflect on their practice and their role within the team. Regular team meetings ensure there is consistency in staff practice and good communication.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has submitted a quality-of-care review that includes positive feedback from others and includes a clear action plan to make improvements going forward.

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Findings from the inspection

The requirements and recommendations from the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

07/10/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 11/03/2025 Full Good 06/02/2024 Full Good 14/03/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 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

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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

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home.

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Requirement Due date

This relates specifically to the registered person ensuring that the children have clear plans in place for the staff to follow to ensure their wellbeing.

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Requirement Due date

This further relates to the registered person ensuring that they review incident records so that any issues with staff practice can be quickly identified. 1 May 2026

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Requirement Due date

within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes—

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Requirement Due date

the name of the child; 1 May 2026 Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 6 details of the child’s behaviour leading to the use of the measure;

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Requirement Due date

the date, time and location of the use of the measure;

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Requirement Due date

a description of the measure and its duration;

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Requirement Due date

details of any methods used or steps taken to avoid the need to use the measure;

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Requirement Due date

the name of the person who used the measure (“the user”), and of any other person present when the measure was used;

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Requirement Due date

the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure; and

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Requirement Due date

a description of any injury to the child or any other person, and any medical treatment administered, as a result of the measure;

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Requirement Due date

within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person who is authorised by the registered person to do so (“the authorised person”)—

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Requirement Due date

has spoken to the user about the measure; and

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Requirement Due date

has signed the record to confirm it is accurate; and

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Requirement Due date

within 5 days of the use of the measure, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure.

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Requirement Due date

Paragraph (3) does not apply in relation to restraint that is planned or provided for as a matter of routine in the child’s EHC plan or statement of special educational needs.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 35 (3)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(vii)(b)(1)(ii)(c) (4))

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Requirement Due date

This relates specifically to the registered person ensuring all restrictive practices are being recorded and monitored for their effectiveness. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 7

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that restrictive practices are identified within a broad ranging, robust behaviour support plan which aims to bring about the circumstances where continued use of such practice will no longer be required. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 47, paragraph 9.45) Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 8

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: 60 School Lane, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6QE

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Inspector

Kerri Lynch, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC005553 9 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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