Children's Home run by Mirador Care Limited in Trafford

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2837555 1 Registered provider: Mirador Care Limited

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children's home

The home is owned and managed by a private organisation. It provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children's home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living at the home. The child was spoken to as part of the visit.

p.1

Information about this children's home

The manager registered with Ofsted in July 2025.

p.1

Information about this children's home

The inspection started on 17 March 2026. Inspectors returned on 24 March 2026 to gather additional evidence in line with Ofsted’s inspections and visits: deferring, pausing and gathering additional evidence policy.

p.1

Information about this children's home

Date of last inspection: 4 November 2025

p.1

Information about this children's home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Information about this children's home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none.

p.1

Information about this inspection

At these inspections, the inspector(s) evaluated:

p.1

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 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 2 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: 2837555 3

p.1

Findings from the inspection

We identified the following serious concerns in relation to the care and protection of children at this assurance inspection.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have not completed a sufficiently robust assessment before children moved into the home. Mangers did not fully evaluate children’s known behaviours or consider whether the staff team had the skills and capacity to meet their needs. As a result, staff have not been adequately prepared to support children them, which has then negatively affected their welfare and progress.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection one child has moved into the home and one has moved out. The child moved on from the home after being served with immediate notice following an assault on staff and the registered manager. Staff do not have the skills to manage children’s complex needs and behaviours. Incident records show that there is an over reliance on external professionals, such as the police and education providers, to manage children’s behaviour. Consequently, there have been several significant safeguarding incidents that have resulted in staff being harmed and children being exposed to risks in the home.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Managers and staff do not take effective action when concerns arise about children’s safety and welfare. In one instance, a child informed staff that they had left the home to supply cannabis to someone in the community. Despite this immediate risk staff did not implement appropriate safeguarding measures, including completing a room search as outlined in the risk management strategies. Leaders and managers were also unable to demonstrate that this failure to act was addressed with the staff involved, meaning there was no assurance that learning had taken place or that future responses to safeguarding incidents would improve.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Staff do not take effective action to safeguard children during incidents of crisis. Following an event in which a child became distressed and caused significant damage within the home, staff did not implement de-escalation strategies or take steps to reduce the immediate known risk of self-harm. Instead, staff made a decision to lock themselves in the office and contact the police for assistance. Staff remained in the office despite the risks escalating for the child. On the arrival of the police, staff remained in the office and passed the house keys through the window to allow police entry. These actions do not demonstrate that appropriate safeguarding measures were taken to protect the child.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Responses to children who are at risk in the community are not effective. On one occasion, the police informed the registered manager that a child had raised concerns about their safety and welfare while away from the home. When staff were provided with the child’s location, immediate action was not taken to ensure that the child was located or safeguarded. The registered manager waited until the child’s education provider arrived at the home to offer support before travelling to the Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 4 child’s location. This resulted in a delay in collecting the child and left them at continued risk of harm in the community.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Since the child has lived in the home, the severity of incidents has increased. Following the assurance inspection, Ofsted was notified of a serious incident in which the child assaulted a member of staff. The staff member lost consciousness and sustained fractured ribs. Although other staff were present, action was not taken to protect those involved. The child was reported to be distressed and expressed concern that they may have caused significant harm to the staff member involved.

p.4

Findings from the inspection

Since the incident, the provider planned to amend the staffing arrangements, including introducing additional waking night staff. However, leaders and managers did not identify a timescale for when these changes would be implemented or how the child would be supported during the transition. Leaders and managers have not taken effective action to implement strategies that reduce the ongoing risks to both the child and staff. A staff member spoken to was not aware of any proposed changes intended to improve safety and welfare within the home.

p.4

Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers were also unable to provide assurance that further incidents will be prevented, that staff have the necessary skills to manage the child’s behaviour, or that appropriate safety measures are in place should incidents occur. This lack of effective planning leaves both the child and staff at increased risk of harm.

p.4

Findings from the inspection

Despite the safeguarding concerns identified, the child described some positive experiences in the home and stated that staff will listen to their views. The child has been supported to access education, and managers have worked well with external professionals to identify a suitable education provision. While this was being arranged, managers and staff ensured that the child was able to continue learning at home with the support of a tutor. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 5

p.4

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/11/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 6

p.5

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person must comply within the given timescales.

p.6

Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

p.6

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.6

Requirement Due date

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

p.6

Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child's welfare. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(v)(vi))

p.6

Requirement Due date

Leaders, managers and staff must ensure that concerns about the safety and welfare of children in the community are responded to quickly, and attempts are made to collect them without delay.

p.6

Requirement Due date

Leaders and managers must ensure that a room search is completed when there are suspicions that a child has illegal substances, such as cannabis in the home. 9 June 2026

p.6

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-

p.6

Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

p.6

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to-

p.6

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child; 9 June 2026 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 7 use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(b) (2)(c)(f)(g)(i)(h))

p.6

Requirement Due date

Specifically, leaders and managers must ensure that safeguarding incidents are reviewed and evaluated to identify good practice and shortfalls.

p.7

Requirement Due date

Furthermore, leaders and managers must ensure that when shortfalls in practice are identified, appropriate action is taken to reduce the risk of such shortfalls reoccurring. This includes ensuring that where appropriate, staff have access to further training. The health and well-being standard is that—

p.7

Requirement Due date

the health and well-being needs of children are met;

p.7

Requirement Due date

children receive advice, services and support in relation to their health and well-being; and

p.7

Requirement Due date

children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles.

p.7

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.7

Requirement Due date

achieve the health and well-being outcomes that are recorded in the child's relevant plans;

p.7

Requirement Due date

understand the child's health and well-being needs and the options that are available in relation to the child's health and well-being, in a way that is appropriate to the child's age and understanding;

p.7

Requirement Due date

take part in activities, and attend any appointments, for the purpose of meeting the child's health and well-being needs; and

p.7

Requirement Due date

understand and develop skills to promote the child's well- being. (Regulation 10 (1)(a)(b)(c) (2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv))

p.7

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that medical advice is sought in a timely manner to support the health needs of the child. 19 December Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 8 The registered person must ensure that staff encourage children to take a proactive role in looking after their day-to- day health and well-being, in particular around the use of vapes and substances. The registered person must ensure that—

p.7

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—

p.8

Requirement Due date

details of the child's behaviour leading to the use of the measure;

p.8

Requirement Due date

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

p.8

Requirement Due date

a description of the measure and its duration;

p.8

Requirement Due date

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

p.8

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;

p.8

Requirement Due date

the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure. (Regulation 35 (3)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii).

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that there is a detailed record of any consequences, including natural consequences given. This should also include the effectiveness of the consequence. 9 June 2026

p.8

Requirement Due date

The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

p.8

Requirement Due date

understand the children's home's overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children;

p.8

Requirement Due date

use this understanding to deliver care that meets children's needs and supports them to fulfil their potential.

p.8

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

p.8

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff— 9 June 2026 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 9 ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to—

p.8

Requirement Due date

meet the needs of each child; and enable each child to participate in the daily life of the home.

p.9

Requirement Due date

Leaders and managers must ensure that internal and external areas of the home are well-maintained. The care planning standard is that children—

p.9

Requirement Due date

receive effectively planned care in or through the children's home; and

p.9

Requirement Due date

have a positive experience of arriving at or moving on from the home.

p.9

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.9

Requirement Due date

that children are admitted to the home only if their needs are within the range of needs of children for whom it is intended that the home is to provide care and accommodation, as set out in the home's statement of purpose;

p.9

Requirement Due date

ensure the effective induction of each child into the home;

p.9

Requirement Due date

plan for, and help, each child to prepare to leave the home or to move into adult care in a way that is consistent with arrangements agreed with the child's placing authority;

p.9

Requirement Due date

(Regulation 14(1)(a)(b)(2)(a)(b)(i)(ii)).

p.9

Requirement Due date

Specifically, leaders and managers must ensure that prior to accepting children into the home, a thorough assessment is completed that considers the children's needs and staffing sufficiency. 9 June 2026 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 10

p.9

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Mirador Care Limited

p.10

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Bartle House, 9 Oxford Court, Manchester, Lancashire M2 3WQ

p.10

Inspector

Chibuzo Otache, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Carrie Mayes, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2837555 11 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.

p.10

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Inspector

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

p.11