Children's Home run by Unity Residential Care Services Limited in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 1 Registered provider: Unity Residential Care Services Limited Full inspection 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 is registered to provide care for up to 3 children who have experienced social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There is a permanent registered manager, who is suitably experienced and qualified.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 3 children were living in the home. All were present during the inspection, and 2 of the children spoke with the inspector.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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good

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

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good

Date of last inspection: 28 October 2024

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/10/2024 Full Good 31/01/2024 Full Outstanding 10/01/2023 Full Good 29/03/2022 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, one child has moved into the home and one child has moved on. Although the child who moved out left sooner than anticipated, staff supported them effectively to settle into their new environment. The child who moved into the home benefited from a well ‑ planned transition. Meeting the manager and staff beforehand helped them to build familiarity and confidence, supporting them to settle quickly.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is warm and welcoming. Comfortable furnishings and photos of children enjoying activities create a homely and nurturing atmosphere. Children’s bedrooms are highly personalised, reflecting their interests and identities. This promotes a strong sense of belonging and emotional security.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are happy and settled and are making clear progress across all areas of their development. Staff know the children very well and demonstrate genuine care and commitment to supporting them to reach their potential. Children trust staff and feel able to share any worries. These positive and secure relationships act as a protective factor and support children’s confidence and resilience.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are making progress in their education from their starting points. Routines and clear boundaries help prepare them for the school day. One child has made significant progress, with an independent reviewing officer describing them as flourishing in their education. The manager and staff work closely with partner agencies to ensure timely communication, contributing positively to children’s educational opportunities and long ‑ term outcomes.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children well with their physical and emotional health. Informal conversations are used effectively alongside attendance at health appointments to help build children’s understanding of how to stay healthy. One child has made substantial progress in their physical and dental health as a result of close engagement with specialist professionals.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences that enrich their lives and support social development. Recent activities have included escape rooms, museums, go ‑ karting and a holiday to Wales. All children attend a football club facilitated by the manager for children across the provider’s homes. This has strengthened peer relationships and created shared positive experiences.

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

Risks to children are well understood by staff and managed effectively. The care provided reduces the likelihood of harm and supports children to stay safe. Clear and consistent boundaries help children feel secure. Staff use their positive relationships to help children understand their emotions and how these affect their behaviour. Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 4 Physical restraint is used only when necessary to protect children and adults. When incidents increased for one child, staff used curiosity and reflection to understand the underlying reasons. This child ‑ centred approach promotes attuned and responsive care.

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

When a child made an allegation against staff, prompt action was taken to inform the relevant safeguarding agencies. However, the provider’s safeguarding policy was not fully followed, and a record of the decision ‑ making process was not completed. This reduces assurances that the incident was managed fully in line with procedures and limits opportunities for managerial oversight and learning.

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

Complaints are handled professionally. The manager and staff use learning from complaints to strengthen practice and reduce the likelihood of similar issues reoccurring.

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

Recruitment processes are thorough, and safeguarding checks are completed appropriately. This ensures that only suitable individuals are appointed to work in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has an excellent understanding of children’s needs and the day ‑ to ‑ day running of the home. He sets high expectations for the staff team and is deeply committed to improving children’s lives. His proactive approach to advocating for children includes confidently challenging placing authorities to ensure that children’s needs remain central to decision ‑ making.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Monitoring and oversight are strong. The systems in place allow the manager to identify shortfalls promptly and take swift action. This ensures that the home remains safe and that practice continues to improve.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and managers invest significantly in staff development, recognising its impact on children’s experiences. Training is purposeful and informed by current research. Regular workshops and reflective learning opportunities have created a strong culture of professional development. Staff reported that recent training on online safety has strengthened the scrutiny of checks on children’s electronic devices. As a result, staff are better equipped to identify concerns early and intervene promptly, enhancing children’s safety.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff report high levels of job satisfaction, and turnover is low. They feel supported, valued and able to approach leaders with issues or suggestions. The team works well together, and communication is a notable strength. External professionals and families have praised the home’s timely and effective information ‑ sharing. Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that they notify Ofsted if there is an incident relating to the welfare of a child living in the home that the registered person considers to be serious. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 63, paragraph 14.10)  Children must be listened to and enabled to report any allegations at the earliest opportunity. Any allegation of harm or abuse must be addressed in line with the home’s child protection policy. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 44, paragraph 9.17)

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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: 1259114 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Unity Residential Care Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2 Lymevale Court, Lyme Drive, Parklands, Stoke-on- Trent ST4 6NW

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Inspector

Becky Rutter, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 7 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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