Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC356318 1 SC356318

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A large private provider operates this home. The home is registered to provide care for up to 2 children who have experienced childhood instability, resulting in trauma and associated complex behaviours.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in April 2024. She holds the relevant level 5 qualification.

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Information about this children’s home

There were no children living at the home at the time of this visit. No children have moved into or out of the home since the last inspection.

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This monitoring visit

This home was judged inadequate at the full inspection that took place on 11 and 12 March 2026. Due to the concerns identified during the full inspection, Ofsted issued a compliance notice under regulation 12 of The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.

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This monitoring visit

This visit examined the progress made by managers and staff in meeting the compliance notice. The inspector found that the compliance notice had been met. Three requirements set at the inspection had also been met. One requirement is restated. A new recommendation has been made to support improvements in the home environment.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have carried out considerable work to address the shortfalls found at the last inspection. This has been led by reflective practice and shared responsibility.

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This monitoring visit

Senior leaders have reflected on the shortfalls identified and completed a thorough review of safeguarding practice, experiences of children and the leadership and Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC356318 2 management of the home. This has strengthened the strategic oversight and has contributed to a focused action plan that has been regularly reviewed. Senior leaders have demonstrated an understanding of practice shortfalls and the impact on children.

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This monitoring visit

A detailed review of children’s moves into and out of the home has resulted in new systems being implemented to improve the quality of decision-making. Systems now encourage professional curiosity to ensure that decisions are informed by comprehensive risk assessment, multi-agency consultation and careful consideration of children’s needs. This will contribute to better planned and safer practice.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have been provided with good-quality reflective training. This has improved their understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities and the ways in which they respond to children’s individual behaviours. Children have contributed to the training, helping staff to understand their lived experiences and the impact of everyday interactions. An ongoing training plan provides a structured approach to further developing the skills and knowledge of the manager and staff.

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This monitoring visit

Lone-working arrangements have been reviewed and strengthened, to ensure assessment of risk remains dynamic and responsive to changes in children’s needs.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has developed their knowledge and skills, through a supported structured process of reflection and professional guidance. Increased oversight, mentoring and planning are supporting the manager to make improvements. As a result, systems have been strengthened to ensure more effective oversight and monitoring arrangements. The effectiveness of these systems has not yet been assessed and will be reviewed at future inspections.

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This monitoring visit

A range of improvements have been made to the home environment. Children’s bedrooms have been redecorated and refurnished. They are child friendly, warm and welcoming. However, a worn carpet and a padlock on a kitchen cupboard detract from the overall homely environment.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/03/2026 Full Inadequate 09/12/2024 Full Good 11/03/2024 Full Good 14/02/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC356318 3

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

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Requirement Due date

a child is involved in or subject to, or is suspected of being involved in or subject to, sexual exploitation;

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Requirement Due date

an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious;

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Requirement Due date

there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there;

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Requirement Due date

a child protection enquiry involving a child— is instigated; or

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Requirement Due date

concludes (in which case, the notification must include the outcome of the child protection enquiry); or

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Requirement Due date

there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious.

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Requirement Due date

A notification made under this regulation—

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Requirement Due date

the other persons, bodies or organisations (if any) who or which have been notified; and

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Requirement Due date

any actions taken by the registered person as a result of the matter;

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Requirement Due date

must be made or confirmed in writing. (Regulation 40 (4)(a)(b)(c)(d)(i)(ii)(e) (5)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(b)) 24 May 2026 Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC356318 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should provide a nurturing and supportive environment that is homely. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC356318 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2nd Floor, Lansdowne House, 85 Buxton Road, Stockport, Cheshire SK2 6LR

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Inspectors

Natasha Skinner, Social Care Inspector Kirsty Truesdale, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC356318 6 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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