Children's Home run by CHILD VS CARE Limited in Manchester

Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 1 Registered provider: CHILD VS CARE Limited

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home was registered with Ofsted in June 2025 and is owned by a private provider. It provides care for up to 2 children who may experience social or emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 2 children were living in the home. The inspector spoke to both children about their experiences of living in the home.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

inadequate

How well children and young people are helped and protected inadequate

p.1

inadequate

The effectiveness of leaders and managers inadequate

p.1

inadequate

There are serious and widespread failures that mean children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded, and the care and experiences of children and young people are poor and they are not making progress.

p.1

inadequate

Date of last inspection: 14 October 2025

p.1

inadequate

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

inadequate

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/10/2025 Full Good 12/08/2025 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 3

p.2

Summary of findings

Significant shortfalls in safeguarding practice and the leadership and management of the home have been identified. This has impacted on the children’s progress and them being safeguarded effectively.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Ineffective safeguarding practice and poor leadership and management have affected children’s overall experiences and progress.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Since the last inspection, one child has moved into the home. There has been an increase in serious incidents during this period, which has included emergency services being called to the home. Leaders and managers have not ensured that all serious incidents are notified to Ofsted as required by regulation, and there has also been a delay in notifications being sent.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children say that they can identify staff they trust and describe positive relationships with staff. They feel listened to and staff have spoken to them about risks associated with cannabis use and their emotional wellbeing.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children’s health needs are not fully understood. Staff have delayed seeking health advice when needed. Furthermore, when health advice has been sought for concerns about a children’s emotional wellbeing and a child being under the influence, staff have not followed the advice given. Additionally, one child is not up to date with their immunisations, and the manager was not aware of this. This does not ensure that the children are supported to have their health needs met.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Staff support children’s education. One child is attending school consistently and the other child is receiving tuition in the home. Children have aspirations and staff are supporting through encouragement and praise.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

The home was clean and tidy. However, staff do not ensure that the home environment is safe, and staff are not alert to risks of children smoking in the home. One child’s bedroom smelt of cannabis and a lighter was observed in their room.

p.3

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

Safeguarding practice in the home is poor.

p.3

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

Children’s risk assessments lack detail and do not include all known risks. Consequently, staff, including agency staff, do not have the information that they need to safely support each child’s individual care needs. Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 4 When a child has raised an allegation, the manager did not take appropriate action and the member of staff continued to work in the home for a number of days. This has not ensured that children are safeguarded, that they feel listened to and action taken to improve the care for children.

p.3

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

When new risks have been identified, the manager has not ensured that referrals have been made to relevant professional services. This was addressed during the inspection.

p.4

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

Staff understand the risks associated with children going missing from home and take appropriate action, including looking for the child and collaborating with other professionals to ensure the children are helped to return home safely. Staff also seek to understand the reasons behind children going missing and share relevant information with safeguarding partners to support effective multi-agency practice.

p.4

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

Safeguards are not in place to ensure that children access the internet or age-restricted content safely. Some children have access to programmes that are not age appropriate. This was addressed during the inspection.

p.4

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

There has been one occasion when a child has been physically held. There has been no recorded debrief with the child or the staff involved and the manager has not evaluated the incident for learning and reflection.

p.4

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

Direct work with the children has been inconsistent. Staff have not spoken to children when there have been concerns around fire safety and knife crime. This is a missed opportunity to support the children to be educated around risks and how to stay safe.

p.4

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

Leaders and managers have not reviewed all incidents. This means that there is a lack of oversight of staff practice and assurance of the wellbeing of children and staff.

p.4

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

Safer recruitment processes are not in place. The director has not followed their own policies in ensuring that all references have been received for the consultant responsible individual. This does not ensure that all staff have the skills and experience to undertake their role.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Since the last inspection, leaders and managers have failed to maintain effective management oversight of the home. There have been changes in the leadership of the home since the last inspection. The responsible individual is currently not working in the home and oversight is being undertaken by a consultant responsible individual. The registered manager is planning to leave, and a new manager is being recruited.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Action has not been taken to ensure that all local authority documents are obtained for children. Leaders and managers have failed to escalate concerns when they have not received children’s important documents. This means that managers and staff do not Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 5 have access to up-to-date information needed to meet children’s needs. This was addressed during the inspection.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The manager has not ensured that the home’s statement of purpose is reviewed or up to date to reflect the staff’s training needs and the use of agency staff to care for children.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Staff have not undertaken training on all topics relevant to the children’s needs. This means that staff do not have the skills, knowledge and understanding to meet all of the children’s specific needs.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Staff have not received regular reflective supervision. This has not given staff the opportunity to discuss the children’s progress and opportunities to improve practice. The manager has not taken into consideration risks associated with supervising staff with conflicts of interest and there is no policy in place to manage these conflicts.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Team meetings have not taken place regularly, which does not give the staff additional opportunities to reflect on the children and their care needs. However, staff do say they feel supported by the manager.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Leaders and managers do not have effective internal monitoring systems in place. This limits oversight of practice and reduces opportunities for leaders and managers to reflect and develop, to improve the quality of care provided.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The quality of care reports provide a review of children’s experiences. However, the opinions of staff are not included or considered in the reports. This reduces opportunities to ensure that the feedback from staff is being used to develop practice in the home.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Leaders and managers have not met the requirements from the last inspection. This does not demonstrate effective leadership. Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 6

p.5

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.

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

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child;

p.6

Requirement Due date

help each child to understand how to keep safe;

p.6

Requirement Due date

have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

p.6

Requirement Due date

manage relationships between children to prevent them from harming each other;

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; and

p.6

Requirement Due date

are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies;

p.6

Requirement Due date

that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm;

p.6

Requirement Due date

that the effectiveness of the home’s child protection policies is monitored regularly. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)) 3 May 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 7 The registered person should ensure that risk assessments include clear guidance of how to manage all children’s known risks and vulnerabilities.

p.6

Requirement Due date

Ensure that staff understand each child’s individual risks and vulnerabilities. This must include possible ligature risks in the home.

p.7

Requirement Due date

Ensure that systems are in place to manage allegations or complaints raised by children.

p.7

Requirement Due date

Ensure that staff understand what action to take when children report concerns. This includes ensuring that staff understand the whistleblowing policies.

p.7

Requirement Due date

Ensure that staff complete regular work with children to help them to understand how to keep safe.

p.7

Requirement Due date

Ensure that staff take action to always safeguard children.

p.7

Requirement Due date

Ensure that staff take effective action when there are concerns abouts a child’s welfare and that staff follow professional advice.

p.7

Requirement Due date

Ensure that referrals to external professional services are undertaken without delay.

p.7

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.7

Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

p.7

Requirement Due date

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

p.7

Requirement Due date

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

p.7

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff work as a team where appropriate;

p.7

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child; 3 May 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 8 ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child;

p.7

Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child;

p.8

Requirement Due date

understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home;

p.8

Requirement Due date

demonstrate that practice in the home is informed and improved by taking into account and acting on—

p.8

Requirement Due date

research and developments in relation to the ways in which the needs of children are best met; and

p.8

Requirement Due date

feedback on the experiences of children, including complaints received; and

p.8

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)(a)(c)(e)(f)(g)(i)(ii)(h))

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person should ensure that systems are in place to monitor the quality of care in the home and that all incidents are reviewed.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that shortfalls in staff practice are identified and action is taken to rectify these.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that there are safe and effective management arrangements in place.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure a review of staff skills and knowledge is undertaken.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that action is taken to address any gaps and that staff are provided with the training and guidance needed to meet children’s needs.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that managers and staff are professionally curious with children.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that children’s risks and needs can be met in the home.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that staff have the skills, knowledge and experience to meet children’s needs. Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 9 The health and well-being standard is that—

p.8

Requirement Due date

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

p.9

Requirement Due date

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

p.9

Requirement Due date

children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles.

p.9

Requirement Due date

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

p.9

Requirement Due date

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

p.9

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.9

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.9

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.9

Requirement Due date

Specifically, the registered person must ensure that children are supported to have all their health needs met. 19 June 2026

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees—

p.9

Requirement Due date

undertake appropriate continuing professional development; and

p.9

Requirement Due date

receive practice-related supervision by a person with appropriate experience. (Regulation 33 (4)(a)(b)) 19 June 2026

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety.

p.9

Requirement Due date

employ an individual to work at the children’s home; or 19 June 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 10 if an individual is employed by a person other than the registered person to work at the home in a position in which the individual may have regular contact with children, allow that individual to work at the home,

p.9

Requirement Due date

if the individual satisfies the requirements in paragraph (3).

p.10

Requirement Due date

the individual is of integrity and good character;

p.10

Requirement Due date

the individual has the appropriate experience, qualification and skills for the work;

p.10

Requirement Due date

the individual is mentally and physically fit for the purposes of the work that the individual is to perform; and

p.10

Requirement Due date

full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. (Regulation 32 (1) (2)(a)(b) (3)(a)(b)(c)(d))

p.10

Requirement Due date

Specifically, the registered person must ensure that safe recruitment practices are followed in the home.

p.10

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.10

Requirement Due date

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

p.10

Requirement Due date

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

p.10

Requirement Due date

a description of the measure and its duration;

p.10

Requirement Due date

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

p.10

Requirement Due date

the name of the person who used the measure, and of any other person present when the measure was used; 19 June 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 11 the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure; and

p.10

Requirement Due date

a description of any injury to the child or any other person, and any medical treatment administered, as a result of the measure;

p.11

Requirement Due date

within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person who is authorised by the registered person to do so ("the authorised person")—

p.11

Requirement Due date

has spoken to the user about the measure; and

p.11

Requirement Due date

has signed the record to confirm it is accurate; and

p.11

Requirement Due date

within 5 days of the use of the measure, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure. (Regulation 35 (3)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii)(b)(i)(ii)(c))

p.11

Requirement Due date

Specifically, debriefs must be undertaken with the child and staff. The manager must evaluate each physical intervention.

p.11

Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

p.11

Requirement Due date

There is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(e)) 3 May 2026

p.11

Requirement Due date

The registered person must compile in relation to the children’s home a statement ("the statement of purpose") which covers the matters listed in Schedule 1.

p.11

Requirement Due date

keep the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it; and

p.11

Requirement Due date

notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised statement within 28 days of the revision. (Regulation 16 (1) (3)(a)(b))

p.11

Requirement Due date

Specifically, the manager must ensure the statement of purpose is factually correct in relation to staff training and include the use of agency staff. 19 June 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 12 The registered person must complete a review of the quality of care provided for children ("a quality of care review") at least once every 6 months.

p.11

Requirement Due date

In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating—

p.12

Requirement Due date

the quality of care provided for children;

p.12

Requirement Due date

the feedback and opinions of children about the children’s home, its facilities and the quality of care they receive in it;

p.12

Requirement Due date

any actions that the registered person considers necessary in order to improve or maintain the quality of care provided for children.

p.12

Requirement Due date

supply to HMCI a copy of the quality of care review report within 28 days of the date on which the quality of care review is completed;

p.12

Requirement Due date

and make a copy of the quality of care review report available on request to a placing authority, if the placing authority is not the parent of a child accommodated in the home. (Regulation 45 (1) (2)(a)(b)(c) (4)(a)(b)) 03 August 2026

p.12

Requirement Due date

* These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

p.12

Information about this inspection

The inspector has 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: 2833368 13

p.12

Children’s home details

Registered provider: CHILD VS CARE Limited

p.13

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 30 Brindley Road, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 9HQ

p.13

Inspector

Michelle Snape, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2833368 14 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.13

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.14

Inspector

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

p.14

Inspector

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

p.14