Children's Home run by Bright Life Living (Oldbury) Limited in Sandwell

Inspection report for children’s home: 2811180 1 Registered provider: Bright Life Living (Oldbury) Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home was registered with Ofsted in January 2025 and is owned by a private company. It provides care for up to 3 children who may may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has applied to register with Ofsted and is suitably qualified.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: 2811180 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/06/2025 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: 2811180 3

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Summary of findings

Children make good progress from their starting points across all areas of their lives. They develop strong, trusting relationships with staff and can clearly identify adults they feel safe with.

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Summary of findings

Children are safeguarded effectively and benefit from care that is underpinned by a therapeutic approach. As a result, children report that they enjoy living in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is furnished to a high standard, with careful attention to detail to create a homely environment. Children’s photos are displayed alongside those of staff, capturing shared activities and experiences. Photos are not immediately removed when children move on, enabling those who remain to see the enduring commitment of staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to develop their independence skills. Staff adopt creative approaches to this work. For example, one child completed budgeting sessions based on the costs associated with their future tenancy, followed by time in a taster flat. This enabled the child to experience the practical realities of the next stage of their transition.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager effectively challenges partner agencies when children do not receive the services they require. She advocates strongly and escalates concerns appropriately. One professional noted that ‘The team have been nothing short of diligent in ensuring that the child is heard and their planning is clear.’ This demonstrates that children are supported to have an active role in decisions about their lives.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff promote children’s identity and seek to understand what is important to them. One parent said that their child was ‘engaged in culturally appropriate activities,’ and ‘Staff knew their heritage was important to them and cooked cultural meals together.’ This promotes a strong sense of belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child spoke with the inspector and described feeling happy living in the home. They spoke proudly about the progress they have made and identified trusting relationships with the manager and a member of staff. The child feels listened to and gave examples of when staff have acted on their views. Certificates displayed in their bedroom recognise their achievements, and consistent praise from staff contributes to improved self-esteem.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager maintains positive working relationships with multi-agency professionals, who spoke highly of the home and the support provided to children. Staff efforts to keep children safe and to build meaningful relationships were consistently identified as Inspection report children’s home: 2811180 4 strengths. One parent praised staff for maintaining contact even after their child had moved on, demonstrating that children continue to feel valued.

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

Staff use de-escalation strategies effectively, and the use of physical intervention is minimal. The manager maintains clear oversight of all incidents and evaluates their proportionality. When concerns about staff conduct have arisen, she has acted promptly to safeguard children and followed appropriate procedures. Reflective discussions are undertaken with children, who are given the opportunity to speak about incidents with an independent person.

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

Children’s privacy is respected. Room searches are conducted proportionately in response to safeguarding concerns. Wherever possible, children’s consent is sought, and detailed records are maintained. When consent has not been possible, staff clearly explain the reasons for the search afterwards, supporting children’s understanding.

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

There is a robust response to allegations. Management investigations are thorough and draw on evidence from multiple sources. The immediate focus is on safeguarding children, with decisive action taken while enquiries are ongoing. This ensures that allegations are taken seriously and that children feel listened to.

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

Staff demonstrate a nurturing and sensitive approach to incidents of self-injurious behaviour. Their compassionate responses help children to feel safe and able to share their feelings. Children’s views inform care planning, with staff using feedback to tailor activities that support emotional regulation and wellbeing. As a result, children benefit from a range of calming activities that reflect their preferences.

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

The response to children who go missing from home has been variable. On two occasions, staff did not follow missing-from-home protocols, resulting in children being without appropriate oversight for extended periods. When these shortfalls were identified, managers took swift action. Additional training has been provided to the staff team, leading to improvements in practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive a comprehensive induction programme. The manager also identifies and provides additional training tailored to the specific needs of children and any areas for staff development. As a result, staff are well equipped to meet children’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager promotes a therapeutic model of care and acts as a strong role model. This approach is embedded in practice, with staff observed using PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) model of care principles in their interactions. This is further supported by input from the clinical lead, whose expertise is regularly accessed by the team. Inspection report children’s home: 2811180 5 Staff development is a priority. The manager regularly reflects on the needs of the team and uses supervision, reflective discussions and team meetings to support development. She promotes a culture that empowers staff to make informed decisions, resulting in consistent care for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has effective systems in place to maintain oversight of the home. She is highly visible to staff and children and demonstrates a strong understanding of both strengths and areas for development. She has detailed knowledge of children, including their needs and histories, and uses this to ensure care is tailored and effective.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff report that they feel well supported. One staff member said, ‘She cares and wants what is best for everybody.’ The manager has played a key role in developing the team of staff, who demonstrate a shared understanding of the home’s ethos. As a result, staff work cohesively to provide a safe, nurturing and stable environment in which children can thrive. Inspection report children’s home: 2811180 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 children’s home: 2811180 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Bright Life Living (Oldbury) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Peak House, Farm House Way, Birmingham, West Midlands B43 7SE

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Inspectors

Latoya Morgan, Social Care Inspector Fran Dallow, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: 2811180 8 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

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