Alternative Approach Ltd

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider: Alternative Approach Ltd 1 Alternative Approach Ltd Registered provider: Alternative Approach Supported Accommodation Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

This supported accommodation service is operated by a private provider. The provider can accommodate up to 21 individuals in a self-contained unit where the accommodation is for the sole use of one person, and up to 13 individuals in one shared or group-living home that is limited to accommodating looked-after children or care leavers.

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provider

The provider operates in the north-west of England. At the time of the inspection, 17 individuals, who were looked-after children or care leavers aged 16 or 17, were being accommodated.

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provider

The registered service manager has been in post since July 2025.

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provider

Inspection dates: The inspection was announced on 11 May 2026 and started that day. The inspectors were on site on 13 and 14 May 2026.

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Outcome

Consistently strong service delivery leads to typically positive experiences and progress for children. Where improvements are needed, leaders and managers take timely and effective action. The next inspection will be within approximately 3 years.

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Summary of findings

Children feel safe in their home and have positive relationships with the staff who support them. They make progress and are well prepared for their transition to independent living. Staff ensure that they always consult with children about their support needs.

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Summary of findings

Some children access education, employment or training, which gives them a sense of belonging and prepares them for their futures. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider: Alternative Approach Ltd 2 The quality of accommodation provided for children is exceptionally high. Children appreciate this and take care of their surroundings, which means that they feel safe in their environment.

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Summary of findings

The registered person has a clear understanding of children who are suitable for supported accommodation. When placing local authorities request additional support that exceeds that of supported accommodation, the registered person will appropriately challenge them. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider: Alternative Approach Ltd 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children

Children said that they feel happy and safe in their home. One child said, 'Staff are really good, I have loved it here. I would do it all again.' They also said that staff build good relationships and support them when they have worries or concerns, which means that they have a trusted adult who they can speak to. Children who live in solo accommodation can easily contact staff and the on-call service, which offers reassurances when support is required out of hours.

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Overall experiences and progress of children

Staff help to support children who are separated from their families and places of origin. They are sensitive to children's cultural needs. Staff support children to access local community groups and places of worship, which helps them to understand their cultural heritage and identity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children

Staff support children to access education, employment and training. Some children access some form of education and training and speak positively about their experiences. Some children are working, which enables them to have independence in earning their own money.

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Overall experiences and progress of children

Staff support children to develop life skills in line with their individual needs so they are fully prepared for adulthood and their transitions to full independence. The service uses an independent living skills support programme. Children spoke positively about this and how it has helped them adapt their skills. Staff have supported children to move into their own accommodation, and transition for this is well planned.

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Overall experiences and progress of children

When children move into their homes, this is done in a sensitive and carefully planned way. Children visit the home before moving in. When children move into their new homes, children already living in the shared homes or single occupancy homes are informed of this, and their views considered.

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How well children are helped and protected

Staff complete a wide range of safeguarding training to help them support children effectively. Training is in line with children's individual needs. Leaders and managers actively seek additional training for their staff when new risks emerge. Staff have now completed training relevant to behaviour management.

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How well children are helped and protected

Staff respond well to safeguarding incidents and take appropriate action. Staff report children when they are missing from home and follow their missing-from-home policy. Children have independent return home interviews. The provider informs Ofsted of incidents in a timely manner, which means that the regulator has oversight of incident management.

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How well children are helped and protected

Placement plans include children's known vulnerabilities and how staff work with children to reduce those risks, including contextual safeguarding. Staff review the plans on a regular basis, and children's views are clear throughout. Children are aware of their support plans and what is included in them. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider: Alternative Approach Ltd 4 Leaders and managers ensure that the accommodation is safe, secure and provides privacy for children. Staff maintain accommodation to a good standard and ensure that regular health and safety checks are completed for children to live in secure accommodation.

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How well children are helped and protected

Leaders and managers use robust safer recruitment processes to ensure that adults can work safely with children. The provider uses agency staff, but they work regularly with the children. However, the provider has yet to obtain a full employment history of agency workers.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Since the last inspection, there has been a change in senior management. Leaders and managers now have good oversight of the service. They undertake regular audits to monitor practice, recordings and oversight of the maintenance of properties. They have consistently, since being in post, submitted their quality of support review, which identifies areas of strengths and improvements. The registered person has an exceptional understanding of children's known and emerging risks.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Leaders and managers work effectively with external services to safeguard children. The registered person appropriately challenges local authorities when they request additional support that exceeds that of supported accommodation.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff said that they receive regular supervision and have annual appraisals. This allows them to reflect on the challenges of their role. It also gives staff the opportunity to discuss their wellbeing, progression and any training needs. One member of staff said, 'I am happy working with the organisation and have a positive working relationship with the managers, who are supportive, approachable, and committed to maintaining good standards of care and support for both staff and young people.'

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff from partner agencies involved in children's lives gave extremely positive feedback. They recognise how children benefit from the support and encouragement that staff provide as they gain independence. One worker said, 'They have been brilliant. When looking for options for [name of child] I wanted to get it right. I feel they have gone above and beyond for [name of child].' Inspection report for supported accommodation provider: Alternative Approach Ltd 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person must ensure that staff are fit to work with young people and that they have the relevant skills, qualifications and recent experience to meet the needs of young people. In particular, this refers to agency workers that the provider uses to support children. ('Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards', page 16)

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children 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 Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider: Alternative Approach Ltd 6

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider: Alternative Approach Supported Accommodation Ltd

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager: Lynette Hatton

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Supported accommodation provider details

Email address: referrals@alternativeapproach.org

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Inspectors

Helen Fee, Social Care Inspector Sue Garner, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider: Alternative Approach Ltd 7 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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