Children's Home run by Keys Active 8 Care Limited in Staffordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2821705 1 Registered provider: Keys Active 8 Care Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private company. It registered with Ofsted in August 2025 and provides care for up to 5 children who may experience emotional and social difficulties. It provides a bespoke 90-day placement offering a programme of activity and intervention.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager left the company in October 2025 and has not yet applied to cancel their registration with Ofsted. A permanent manager has been appointed, who has applied to register with Ofsted.

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Inspection date: 16 March 2026

Date of last inspection: 4 November 2025

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Inspection date: 16 March 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 16 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 has 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: 2821705 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, there have been no children living in the home. One child moved into the home on the day of the inspection. The child experienced a thoughtfully planned and organised move. The social worker said the manager was ‘brilliant’ in their communication when planning for the child’s move into the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The home’s environment is comfortable and spacious with decor and furnishings of a high standard. The grounds are well maintained and provide opportunities for children to play and explore. Staff supported the child to personalise their bedroom during visits to the home before they moved in.

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Findings from the inspection

A suitable manager has been appointed. They are experienced in managing activity and intervention programmes. They are supported by the responsible individual who has effective oversight of the home and staff practice.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers continue to prioritise safer recruitment to ensure the appointment of a full staff team. Staff are being provided with training to develop their safeguarding practices. Staff speak positively about the training and support they are receiving.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive regular supervision and are attending team meetings. All staff are being supported to achieve the regulatory qualifications within the required timescales. Also, staff are being provided with opportunities to complete sport and activity qualifications. As a result, children will be cared for by staff, who have the skills to support them.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, leaders have made changes to strengthen staff practice. For example, staff will be supported by specialist advisors to provide advice and guidance to understand children’s individual needs. This includes a psychologist and education coordinator. This will help to improve the care that children receive.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager responds effectively when there are concerns regarding staff practice. When further training and support are required, they are arranged promptly by the manager. This ensures that children will be cared for by adults who are assessed to be safe to work in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Effective monitoring and review systems are in place. The management team and responsible individual have revised the internal processes for children moving into the home. This supports informed decision-making about the children’s needs and the ability of the staff team to meet these. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2821705 3 As a result of this visit, the requirements raised at the last inspection have been met. The one outstanding recommendation will be reviewed as part of the next inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2821705 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/11/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2821705 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record-keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording. Staff should record information on individual children in a non-stigmatising way that distinguishes between fact, opinion and third-party information. Information about the child must always be recorded in a way that will be helpful to the child. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 62, paragraph 14.4) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2821705 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Keys Active 8 Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Maybrook House Third Floor, Queensway, Halesowen B63 4AH

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Inspector

Siân Heffey, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2821705 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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