Children's Home run by St Elizabeth’s Centre in Hertfordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842251 1 Registered provider: St. Elizabeth’s Centre

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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 run by a large charitable organisation. It provides care for up to 6 children with autism and learning disabilities. Children attend the on-site school.

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Information about this children’s home

The inspector only inspected the social care provision at this school.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 10 December 2025

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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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 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: 2842251 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, a new manager has been appointed. They have applied to register with Ofsted. The leadership team has reviewed policies and procedures in the home, and an improvement plan is in place.

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Findings from the inspection

Children and young people are supported through a wide range of personalised communication strategies that help them understand routines, expectations and new or unfamiliar experiences. Staff make effective use of tools such as social stories, visual prompts and clear, simple language to reinforce key messages. These approaches help children process information in ways that align with their individual communication styles.

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Findings from the inspection

To promote expressive communication, children have access to resources including iPads, sign language, emotion symbols and visual timetables. These tools enable them to share preferences, communicate feelings and participate more confidently in daily activities. Staff take time to provide clear instructions, offer reassurance and allow children the space they need to respond. This patient, responsive approach supports understanding, reduces anxiety and helps children succeed in the tasks and interactions presented to them.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, there was an incident in which a member of staff did not fully consider a child’s communication needs. The manager identified this promptly and took appropriate action to address the shortfall. Managers acknowledge that consistent, high-quality communication support remains an ongoing area for development.

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Findings from the inspection

Children and young people are supported through meaningful conversations that help them understand their feelings and manage changes in routine. Staff use photos, symbols and personalised stories to prepare children for activities, appointments and family time. Further work is required to develop an independence pathway to better capture children’s progress.

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Findings from the inspection

Children and young people have personalised spaces throughout the home that reflect and support their individual interests. Children and young people benefit from communal areas, such as the large lounge, which provides a wide range of sensory equipment including lights, a projector and a karaoke machine. Plans are in place for a dance floor to further enhance the facilities in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Allegations are taken seriously, with immediate action taken to safeguard children. Investigations are completed in consultation with the local authority’s designated safeguarding officer. Learning is identified and put in place to ensure that poor practice is not repeated. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842251 3 Leaders and managers ensure that children who are prescribed medication receive it safely. When an error occurred, they took immediate action to protect the child and addressed the issue without delay. Leaders and managers reviewed medication systems across the organisation and strengthened processes, including introducing clinical audits carried out by medically trained staff to improve oversight and reduce the risk of future errors. They sought professional advice to assess any potential impact, and it was confirmed that there was no significant effect on the child.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have ensured that staff receive regular supervision and the training they need to safeguard and support children effectively. Staff have completed whistleblowing training and a safeguarding self ‑ audit to identify any additional learning needs, helping to strengthen practice and promote safer care. Speech and language therapy professionals attend team meetings, supporting staff practice and promoting consistent communication strategies across the team.

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Findings from the inspection

Not all staff are medication trained, and those without this training are not required to administer medication. All staff are trained in intervention approaches to ensure that they can respond safely and appropriately to children’s needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have introduced new systems including multi-disciplinary team meetings, which promote oversight of children’s progress and support the continuous development of the staff team to meet children’s needs in the home. At the point of inspection, this procedure was in the process of being embedded into practice. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842251 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/12/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842251 5

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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

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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

ensure that staff work as a team where appropriate;

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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)(b)(h)) 26 September

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Requirement Due date

The children’s views, wishes and feelings standard is that children receive care from staff who—

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Requirement Due date

develop positive relationships with them;

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Requirement Due date

take their views, wishes and feelings into account in relation to matters affecting the children’s care and welfare and their lives.

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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

help each child to express views, wishes and feelings. (Regulation 7 (1)(a)(b)(c) (2) (a)(ii)) 26 September Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842251 6 In particular, staff must consistently implement the strategies outlined in children’s plans to support the development of their communication skills.

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that children’s progress in building their independence is systematically monitored. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 52, paragraph 10.4) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842251 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: St. Elizabeth’s Centre

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: St Elizabeths Centre, South End, Much Hadham SG10 6EW

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Inspectors

Nicola Forrester, Social Care Inspector Jon Dutton, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2842251 8 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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