Children's Home run by Progress Children’s Services Ltd in Sandwell

Inspection report for children’s home: SC437486 1 SC437486 Registered provider: Progress Children’s Services Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private organisation. The home provides care for up to 4 children who may have learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments. At the time of the inspection, 4 children were living at the home.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The experienced registered manager is suitably qualified.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

p.1

good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

p.1

good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

p.1

good

Date of last inspection: 11 February 2025

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC437486 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/02/2025 Full Good 05/09/2023 Full Good 17/05/2022 Full Good 10/01/2022 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children’s home: SC437486 3

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The inspector spent time with all of the children during the inspection.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Childrens experiences are positive and their progress is supported through achievable targets that help them to maintain good daily routines. Family members speak highly of the care provided to children, with one parent saying they never want their child to leave.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children share warm and nurturing relationships with the staff. Children confidently approach the staff who respond with sensitivity and care. When the children seek comfort through hugs, staff respond appropriately and in ways that reinforces their sense of safety.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The admission of new children into the home is thoughtful and well planned. When a young child moved in a few weeks ago, the other children were excited about their arrival and chose to welcome them with a chocolate cake.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One young person recently moved on from the home after six years. During their time at the home, they developed independence skills in preparation for adulthood. Their transition was carefully planned and progressed at a pace suited to their needs. Staff also arranged an 18 th birthday celebration for them, and the young person sent a thank you card to say how much they enjoyed it, which created happy memories.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The atmosphere in the home is warm and friendly, with children’s laughter often heard as they have fun and play together. Children’s photos and toys are visible throughout, reinforcing that this is their home. Recent redecoration has improved several areas, and there are further plans to refurbish some ground floor rooms. These changes will enhance the environment further.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The importance of education is promoted. Three children attend school and they are making good academic progress. A school place is being sought for the fourth child, who has only recently moved into the home. Staff provide a range of educational activities at home which supports the child’s learning and development.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have access to the health services they need, and staff use creative approaches to promote healthy eating. As a result, children are trying a wider range of foods. Two children also use plates that keep their food items separate in line with their sensory needs. These thoughtful strategies help children to maintain good health and support their overall well-being.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s cultural needs are understood. One child requires specialist hair care, and staff use a range of approaches to support and promote the child’s cultural identity. Staff Inspection report for children’s home: SC437486 4 have also gathered information and carried out research to gain a deeper understanding of another child’s culture, enabling them to provide individualised care.

p.3

How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children are safe in this home. Children’s family members and social workers share this viewpoint with one parent commenting; care is 100% safe.

p.4

How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff understand their responsibilities to safeguard children. They understand the children’s complex needs and vulnerabilities. Staff look past unwanted behaviours and recognise these as forms of communication. Staff are skilled and manage situations when children become upset or frustrated. They intervene quickly and in line with children’s plans. As a result, incidents are de-escalated quickly, reducing the likelihood of harm to children.

p.4

How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff support children to express and manage their feelings and emotions in a variety of ways. One child uses a visual tool to communicate how they are feeling, this enables staff to provide individualised support which helps the child to feel secure.

p.4

How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff have meaningful conversations with children about boundaries and what behaviours are acceptable. A range of approaches including social stories help children to understand positive behaviour and the effect their actions may have on others. Direct work takes place on topics including using safe hands and being kind. This is helping children to understand expectations and build safer relationships.

p.4

How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Incidents rarely escalate to the point where physical restraint is needed. When this does occur, the intervention used is necessary and proportionate to keep children safe. The manager reviews each incident carefully to identify any emerging patterns in behaviour and talks with children to understand their experiences.

p.4

How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Complaints are well managed and any learning is used to support continual improvement. Children know how to share any worries, and the manager takes their concerns seriously. Children are helped to understand what happens after they raise a concern, showing that their voices are valued and listened to.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is dedicated to the children and works tirelessly to support positive outcomes. Children’s family members describe the manager as ‘amazing’ because she keeps them fully updated on children’s progress and experiences. This inclusive approach helps families to feel involved in their child’s life. Staff describe the home as like a family.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff describe the manager as inspirational and hold her leadership in high regard. This has created a culture of high morale. As a result, children benefit from a nurturing, emotionally warm environment in which they grow and thrive. Inspection report for children’s home: SC437486 5 Staff development is a top priority for the manager, and her influence has created a culture where staff work confidently with high levels of autonomy. There is a strong focus on supporting staff career progression, and staff are encouraged to take on additional responsibilities. This is underpinned by well-structured personal development plans. As a result, staff feel empowered and valued.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff benefit from a comprehensive training programme that is tailored to the needs of the children. This ensures that the workforce is skilled and competent, which contributes positively to children’s safety and progress. Staff also receive regular, reflective supervision that supports the ongoing development of their practice. Additionally, staff have meaningful opportunities to come together as a team to share ideas and learning.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Management oversight of children’s care is excellent. The manager has a comprehensive understanding of the home’s strengths and areas for development. Monitoring systems enable her to maintain a well-rounded view of children’s experiences, progress, and emerging needs.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is confident in challenging external professionals where necessary. A social worker reported that the manager appropriately challenges decisions to ensure that children’s needs are prioritised.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

No requirements or recommendations were made at this this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: SC437486 6

p.5

Information about this inspection

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’. Inspection report for children’s home: SC437486 7

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Progress Children’s Services Ltd

p.7

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Progress House, 127 Millfields Road, Wolverhampton WV4 6JG

p.7

Inspector

Amy Richards, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC437486 8 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.7

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 . 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.8

Inspector

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

p.8

Inspector

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

p.8