Children's Home run by Sapphire Futures Limited in Knowsley

Inspection report for children’s home: 2826005 1 Registered provider: Sapphire Futures 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 and managed by a private provider. It provides care for up to 2 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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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.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2826005 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

31/07/2025 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2826005 3

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Summary of findings

Staff and managers build strong, valued and trusting relationships with children. As a result, children feel happy and settled, and are making substantial progress because of their time in the home. Both children spoke positively about staff and the experiences they had in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children receive an exceptionally high standard of care from a dedicated and consistent team of staff who know them well. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to providing informed, individualised support that meets each child’s individual needs. One social worker said, ‘There were significant risks; however, with the support put in place by the team, [name of child] has been able to make positive progress.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children make significant and sustained progress. Care plans are implemented effectively, enabling children to achieve positive outcomes. One child has returned to education after a prolonged absence and is now sitting exams while planning to attend a college course linked to their interests and aspirations. Another child has gained a recognised qualification as a street doctor. All children’s achievements are recognised and celebrated.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff and managers speak about the children with genuine warmth and pride. When children face challenges, staff respond with curiosity, empathy and understanding. This reflective and supportive approach helps children feel heard, valued and accepted. One child said, ‘We always talk through things together. When my mood is low, I now choose to spend time with staff.’ These strong relationships support children to process their emotions, build trust and develop a strong sense of belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children are given a wide range of opportunities to broaden their life experiences, including trips to London, horse riding, holidays and days out. Children are encouraged to explore their interests and develop aspirations for the future. One social worker said, ‘[Name of child] had the opportunity to speak to some mounted police officers, and they were delighted to have had this opportunity.’ These meaningful experiences are captured in well-presented memory books.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children are also supported to prepare for independence through tailored plans. Staff take a creative approach, adapting their support to suit each child’s learning style. This includes practical demonstrations, videos and written resources that children can refer back to, helping to reinforce their understanding and build confidence. Inspection report for children’s home: 2826005 4 Children live in a warm, comfortable and well-maintained environment. The home is clean and tidy, and children’s photos and artwork are proudly displayed throughout, helping to create a sense of belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Managers and staff maintain open and effective communication with families and professionals. This ensures that any concerns are responded to promptly and that appropriate, meaningful support is put in place. One family member commented that their child is thriving since moving to the home and said, ‘The staff go above and beyond to ensure they are making the right choices.’

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

Children live in a home where they are safe, secure and genuinely cared for by staff. This means that when children make mistakes or face challenges, they feel able to go directly to staff to seek help, support and guidance.

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

Staff support children to explore their feelings and gain an insight into how to keep themselves safe and make informed decisions. One child was able to confidently describe the physical and emotional risks associated with cannabis misuse. Another child has engaged in a range of purposeful conversations on topics such as staying safe online, cannabis misuse and current media issues. This approach helps children to build their awareness, personal responsibility and confidence.

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

During a particularly challenging period for one child, the manager effectively advocated on their behalf to ensure that appropriate plans were put in place. The team worked collaboratively with external professionals and undertook extensive work with the child to support their emotional wellbeing.

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

Safeguarding practices are strong and effective. Incidents are managed with professionalism, empathy and a clear focus on reflection and learning. Records are detailed and provide a clear and accurate account of events. Children have the opportunity to take part in debriefs which are written in a way that speaks directly to them, avoiding judgement and promoting respectful, child-centred language in the recording of incidents.

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

Incidents of children going missing from the home are rare, with only one occurrence recorded since the last inspection. When such incidents arise, staff work closely with partner agencies to ensure children are located and return safely.

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

Positive behaviour is consistently encouraged and appropriately recognised. Children work towards individual incentive plans, which encourage positive choices. The use of physical intervention is rare. However, staff are appropriately trained and primarily rely on their strong relationships with children to de-escalate situations effectively.

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

Children’s risk assessments and behaviour plans are comprehensive and informative. All children’s known risks are evaluated, and risk levels are rated. Documents are easy to Inspection report for children’s home: 2826005 5 follow and provide strategies and guidance to reduce risks. Risk assessments are kept under regular review so that children’s needs continue to be met effectively.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leadership in the home is highly effective. The home is led by a forward-thinking and experienced manager. She is supported by a committed deputy manager who is a positive presence in the home. Together, they work exceptionally well, demonstrating strong leadership and a shared passion for achieving positive opportunities and outcomes for the children and staff. This commitment is reflected across the staff, who share high aspirations for the children

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Managers and staff demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to professional development. The manager takes a proactive, training-led approach, delivering targeted in-house workshops that directly inform care planning, strengthen staff practice and improve the care provided to children. Staff clearly benefit from this approach. One team member said, ‘The managers are amazing at making sure I have a full understanding.’ This means staff feel valued, well supported and invested in.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is a strong advocate for children. She has successfully challenged aspects of a child’s education, health and care plan, resulting in a more balanced and accurate reflection of their needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Managers and staff have developed strong, effective partnerships with social workers, schools and specialist services. This collaborative working ensures that children receive the support they need to achieve positive outcomes. Feedback from professionals is consistently positive, with many recognising the significant progress children make. One professional stated, ‘They have gone above and beyond with the support and encouragement for [name of child] to engage and attend all appointments, which has paid off.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive regular supervision that helps them to reflect on their practice. A key focus is the review of recommended strategies implemented following training. This approach supports staff to both develop and evaluate their own practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and managers are visible in the home. There is strong oversight on all aspects of the home. The manager has clear and effective systems in place, which lead to consistent and high-quality support for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Children speak warmly about managers and the team. One child talked about how much they like the staff and that it is like a family. Another child scored the home 10 out of 10 and said it is ‘because everything is sound’. Inspection report for children’s home: 2826005 6

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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: 2826005 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sapphire Futures Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 48-52 Penny Lane, Mossley Hill, Liverpool, Merseyside L18 1DG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Annmarie Harrickie

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Inspector

Julia Edwards, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2826005 8 regulates and inspects 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. 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

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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