Children's Home run by EpicUK Ltd in Essex

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2782906 1 Registered provider: EpicUK Limited

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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 provides care for 3 children with emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in August 2024.

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Inspection date: 17 March 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 17 March 2026

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 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: 2782906 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 out of the home in a planned way, and one child has moved in. At the time of this inspection, one child was living at the home. The inspector saw the child during the inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Arrangements for leaders and managers’ monitoring and oversight have been revised and strengthened. Leaders and managers have implemented better systems for recording, monitoring and identifying learning. These improvements have led to significant changes.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager completes regular internal audits and reviews all reports relating to the child in a timely manner. This helps to identify areas for further development. However, the monthly reports compiled by the independent visitor are not shared with the manager in a timely way. This means further opportunities to act quickly on concerns and develop the quality of care could be missed. At the time of the inspection, the manager was in the process of sourcing a new independent visitor.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have regular team meetings and supervision sessions. The manager uses them to reflect on when things have not gone well and share important learning with staff. This increased awareness helps staff to understand their roles in helping the child to be safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have notably strengthened the safeguarding systems. The staff can clearly identify the processes for raising concerns. The child and the staff have access to an independent complaints adviser who visits the home. This helps provide a multi-layered approach to ensuring a strong and effective safeguarding culture at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has complex needs, with a history of going missing from the home and substance misuse. Staff have a very good understanding of the child’s background and the factors that contribute to these vulnerabilities. The staff have established strong links with local support services. The manager works closely with the local police liaison officer, who visits the home. This has helped them to build a positive relationship with the child. The officer has contributed to the child’s safety plans, which has helped the staff to have a greater understanding of risks in the community. The manager made a referral on behalf of the child relating to substance misuse. The child is engaging with this support. Overall, the concerns relating to these concerns have reduced.

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Findings from the inspection

On occasion, consequences are used to help manage the child’s behaviour. Staff seek opportunities to engage meaningfully with the child to help them understand and manage areas of concern. Staff sensitively approach these subjects in a non- Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2782906 3 judgmental way with the child. This has helped develop the child’s understanding of staying safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Professionals gave unanimously positive feedback about how well staff know and care for the child.

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Findings from the inspection

The staff provide a nurturing, clean home for the child. Since the last inspection, the manager has rearranged the home to ensure that safety measures are in place to prevent potential hazards.

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Findings from the inspection

At the last inspection, 4 requirements were made. All the requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. A new recommendation has been raised as a result of this inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/06/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 06/01/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2782906 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the independent person’s monthly reports are shared with the registered person in a timely way. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 55, paragraph 10.54) Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2782906 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 17 Dalkeith Road, Ilford IG1 1JD

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Inspector

Lexi Mitchell, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2782906 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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Inspector

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

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