Children's Home run by Full Circle Care Limited in Tameside

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC396104 1 SC396104 Registered provider: Full Circle Care Ltd

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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 owned and managed by a private company. The home provides care for up to 6 children of the same gender who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, 6 children were living at the home. Five children spoke with the inspector about their experiences of living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2025.

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Inspection date: 18 March 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 18 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.

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Information about this inspection

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: SC396104 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

Safeguarding practice is strong. Staff understand procedures for reporting concerns, including allegations, episodes of children going missing and risks linked to exploitation. Care planning has improved, with essential documents now received in a timely manner and placement plans reflecting known risks and legal requirements. One child was new to the home on the day of the last inspection. Their move had been managed in a sensitive manner, with staff taking time to understand their needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff demonstrate a clearer understanding of risk and managers ensure that medical advice is sought and followed when children suffer injuries. Risk assessments are detailed, regularly updated and used effectively to guide staff responses. Children are developing skills in their daily routines and, with staff guidance, are gaining confidence in managing their emotional regulation.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s relationships with their families are supported well. Staff help children prepare for family time and reflect with them afterwards. Children’s wishes are respected and communication remains child centred and safe. Staff promote positive friendships and encourage children to invite friends to the home for meals or gaming. These relationships have contributed to children’s stability.

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Findings from the inspection

Health needs are monitored effectively. Children attend routine appointments and staff respond promptly to changes in wellbeing. When children’s emotional health fluctuates, staff offer reassurance and seek professional advice. Some children are developing independence skills such as managing medication, travelling independently and preparing meals, which is helping them work towards semi- independence or a return home.

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Findings from the inspection

Behaviour is managed calmly and consistently. Staff use clear behaviour support plans, structure and de-escalation techniques to reduce issues. There has been one use of physical intervention. This was well managed and documented and included timely conversations with the child and managerial oversight.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is warm, welcoming and well maintained. Children personalise their bedrooms and take pride in shared spaces. They look after the home’s tortoises, which gives them a sense of responsibility and belonging.

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Findings from the inspection

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that promote their confidence, identity and social development. These include community outings, hobbies, therapeutic sessions and independence tasks. Staff are creative in encouraging children to try new things and have successfully introduced some children to ice skating.

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Findings from the inspection

Leadership and management have been strengthened since the last inspection. The manager, who was new at the previous visit, has improved oversight and review Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC396104 3 systems, which are becoming embedded. Monitoring is more effective and staff practice is reviewed consistently. However, the workforce development plan is not yet aligned to regulation, and the updated statement of purpose has not been submitted to Ofsted in a timely manner.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff describe a positive team culture with strong communication. They receive regular reflective supervision and in-depth team meetings are held that support their ability to care for the children. Annual appraisals are completed, which support their professional development.

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Findings from the inspection

Most of the requirements made at the last inspection have been met. One additional requirement and recommendation have been made following this inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

07/10/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 08/10/2024 Full Good 22/01/2024 Full Good 13/09/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC396104 4

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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

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

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

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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. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(e)(h))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that there are effective monitoring procedures in place to oversee staff practice and address shortfalls in a timely and consistent manner.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the last inspection and is restated. 27 May 2026

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Requirement Due date

keep the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it; and

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Requirement Due date

notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised statement within 28 days of the revision. (Regulation 16 (3)(a)(b)) 27 May 2026 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC396104 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should have a workforce plan which can fulfil the workforce-related requirements of regulations 16 and 33. This should detail how staff are inducted into the home and successfully fulfil the terms of their probation. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.8) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC396104 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Full Circle Care Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 4 Lyme Vale Court, Parklands Business Park, Lyme Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 6NW

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Inspector

Colin Jones, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC396104 7 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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