Children's Home run by Alpine4care Services Ltd in Manchester

Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 1 Registered provider: Alpine4care Services Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by a private provider. It provides care for one child who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in May 2025 and does not currently have a registered manager.

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Information about this children’s home

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

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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 requires improvement to be good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

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good

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

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good

Date of last inspection: 11 November 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/11/2025 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 3

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Summary of findings

There has been no manager in post since September 2025. Leaders implemented a management support plan to ensure that the staff and children are supported in the interim. Leaders continue to work with employment agencies to identify a suitable manager, and they have interviews planned with prospective managers.

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Summary of findings

Staff do not always respond effectively to challenging behaviour from children and do not consistently address negative conduct.

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Summary of findings

Leaders work with the children’s networks to identify appropriate education provisions. However, daily plans lack structure to support the development of independence skills or alternative learning.

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Summary of findings

Staff do not consistently receive reflective supervision or annual appraisals. This lack of oversight does not ensure that staff consistently deliver good care.

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Summary of findings

The child is happy living at the home. Staff have built positive, supportive relationships with the child and enjoy caring for them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s moves in and out of the home are well planned and positive. Leaders carefully assess the needs of the child moving in, alongside the skills and experience of the staff team. Leaders speak with the child’s network and work collaboratively to plan a move that supports the child. This includes meeting the child and visiting the home before they move in. This helps children to build familiarity with the home and staff before moving in. However, children’s statutory care and education plans are not always obtained at the time of admission. This does not ensure that leaders or staff are providing care in line with children’s local authority plans.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Leaders advocate for children, ensuring that their views and wishes are heard and acted on. This proactive support enabled one child to move into another home suited to their current needs and abilities. The staff celebrated the child’s time at the home before they left with a meal and thoughtful gifts. Another child has been helped to access unsupported time in the community in line with their age.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Leaders promote children’s education. One child who has now left the home was supported to access education after a prolonged period of non-attendance and is now attending education on a full-time basis. The child currently living at the home has not been in formal education, employment or training for a long period. Leaders are working with professionals to address this. Plans are in place to implement a home tutor and find a suitable college provision. However, staff do not have structured plans in place to support the development of independence skills or alternative learning in the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 4 Staff encourage children to participate in various activities, such as fishing, roller skating, DJ lessons, guitar lessons and army cadets. This helps children maintain hobbies that align with their interests and enables them to build social skills and form friendships in

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improvement to be good

The child has positive relationships with their allocated key workers and the new responsible individual. All staff members are supported to build positive relationships with the child. One child’s social worker said, ‘[name of child] is safe and happy at the home and I am very impressed with the relationships staff have built with them. Staff know them well and adjust their approach to support changes in mood and presentation of the child.’

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improvement to be good

Staff are committed to providing the child with good-quality care and support. This is helping the child to develop a sense of safety and security in the home.

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improvement to be good

Staff practice is not consistent. Some staff lack confidence in challenging negative behaviours and do not consistently apply the home’s rules and boundaries. This has resulted in a delayed room search and the child being able to go out into the community with a dangerous item. This inconsistency, alongside a reluctance to address concerns, limits the child’s opportunities to learn about risk, understand societal rules and boundaries and recognise the consequences of their actions.

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improvement to be good

On one occasion, police assistance was required to help staff manage the child’s escalating behaviours. Although no criminal charges were brought, leaders and staff did not ensure that the child was provided with relevant support during the police interview, such as access to an appropriate adult or a duty solicitor. This shortfall does not safeguard the child’s rights, wellbeing and welfare during police procedures. Staff understand the children’s individual risks and the strategies in place to support them. Detailed behaviour risk management plans are in place to guide and direct staff in crisis situations linked to children’s identified risks.

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improvement to be good

Staff make consistent efforts to locate children and maintain contact during missing- from-home episodes, supporting their safe return. They search known locations, liaise with family members and maintain communication so children feel cared for. When children return, staff welcome them and take steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Leaders work with the children and their network to review and update their plans and implement support tailored to the child’s age and vulnerabilities. This has helped to reduce missing-from-home episodes.

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improvement to be good

Staff are trained in the use of physical intervention. There has been one low-level physical intervention that was used to prevent a child from harming others. When physical intervention is used, staff offer children a debrief and explore the reasons for Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 5 the behaviour, to prevent recurrence. Leaders also provide debriefs for staff after difficult incidents.

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improvement to be good

Allegations are taken seriously. Managers work closely with relevant professionals to ensure that investigations are thorough and that children receive the right support during investigations. This helps to reassure children that they are being listened to and taken seriously. Leaders ensure that the children are aware of the outcomes of investigations and arrange mediation between staff and the children to help rebuild relationships.

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improvement to be good

Incidents surrounding substance misuse are managed well. Staff seek medical advice and monitor children to ensure their safety. Leaders and staff complete follow ‑ up work with children following incidents and episodes of going missing from home. This helps the child to identify risks and understand consequences.

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improvement to be good

Staff create a warm, nurturing atmosphere in the home. This allows children to relax in their environment. The home is clean and tidy. However, some areas are looking tired and are in need of refurbishment, such as the office doorframe, the stairs carpet and fixtures of old fittings in the bathroom and toilet. The outside areas look unkempt, needing removal of weeds and bushes requiring trimming. In addition, the garden does not have garden furniture to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for staff and children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

This has been a challenging time for staff in the home. There has been no manager in post since September 2025. Leaders implemented a management support plan to ensure the staff and children are supported in the interim. Two new managers were identified in February 2026 and June 2026, but both resigned after short periods due to personal reasons. Leaders continue to work with employment agencies and have interviews planned with prospective managers.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

There is now a new responsible individual in post, who is suitably experienced and has shared their details with Ofsted to assess their suitability. The responsible individual is focused on her vision for the children, staff and home and is committed to improving outcomes for the children. Since joining the home, they have gained a good understanding of the home’s processes and procedures, the children and the staff. They are aware of the strengths and areas for development and have a clear plan in place to develop the staff team and support improvements in the quality of care provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Independent person visits are not consistently taking place every month. The home’s quality of care review is carried out and shared with Ofsted in a timely manner. However, the report does not identify specific actions to meet shortfalls identified and does not always consider feedback from children, professionals or staff. This does not provide the regulator with a detailed overview of the quality of care provided in the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 6 Leaders and managers follow safer recruitment procedures. This means that staff are fully checked before they provide care to children. New staff are supported to develop the skills and knowledge they need through clear induction programmes. However, not all staff receive regular supervision and annual appraisal. Supervision is not sufficiently effective, and it is often brief and lacks meaningful reflective discussion. This does not

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

ensure that poor practice is challenged or that staff receive clear guidance or opportunities for professional development, which may negatively impact staff practice and performance and the overall quality of care provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The home’s monitoring and review systems have recently been reviewed to ensure compliance with regulations. This includes a manager’s weekly task list and a monthly regional operations managers’ audit. Both are currently being completed by the new responsible individual.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Staff say that the management team are approachable, and they feel fully supported in their role. Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 7

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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 protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

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

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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;

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Requirement Due date

help each child to understand how to keep safe;

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

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Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare; and

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Requirement Due date

that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(d))

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Requirement Due date

Specifically, leaders and managers must ensure that staff act on any sign that a child may be at risk of significant harm. Staff must understand what they need to do to keep children safe. Leaders and managers must complete follow-up work with staff to reflect on practice.

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Requirement Due date

In addition, leaders must ensure that repairs in the home are completed to a good standard and outside areas are well maintained. 30 July 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 8 The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires, and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

ensure that staff work as a team where appropriate;

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Requirement Due date

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

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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. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(b)(f))

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Requirement Due date

Specifically, leaders must ensure that they lead and manage the home consistently so that children receive care in line with the home’s statement of purpose. Leaders and managers must continually and actively assess staff responses to risks. 30 July 2026

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Requirement Due date

In meeting the quality standards, the registered person must, and must ensure that staff—

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Requirement Due date

seek to secure the input and services required to meet each child’s needs; and

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Requirement Due date

if the registered person considers, or staff consider, a placing authority’s or a relevant person’s performance or response to be inadequate in relation to their role, challenge the placing authority or the relevant person to seek to ensure that each child’s needs are met in accordance with the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 5 (b)(c))

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Requirement Due date

Specifically, leaders and managers must ensure that children receive timely support from the relevant agencies. They must challenge agencies when identified support is not provided. 30 July 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 9 The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

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Requirement Due date

understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children;

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Requirement Due date

use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential.

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

provide personalised care that meets each child’s needs, as recorded in the child’s relevant plans, taking account of the child’s background;

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Requirement Due date

help each child to develop resilience and skills that prepare the child to return home, to live in a new placement or to live independently as an adult;

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Requirement Due date

make decisions about the day-to-day arrangements for each child, in accordance with the child’s relevant plans, which give the child an appropriate degree of freedom and choice. (Regulation 6 (1)(a)(b) (2)(b)(iv)(vi)(ix))

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Requirement Due date

Specifically, leaders and managers must ensure that staff implement the children’s day-to-day routines and maintain the home’s rules and boundaries in line with the children’s plans and support children to develop independence skills in accordance with their age and ability. 30 July 2026

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees—

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Requirement Due date

undertake appropriate continuing professional development;

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Requirement Due date

receive practice-related supervision by a person with appropriate experience.

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Requirement Due date

have their performance and fitness to perform their roles appraised at least once every year. (Regulation 33 (4)(a)(b)(c))

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Requirement Due date

Specifically, leaders and managers must ensure that staff receive supervision that allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children in their care. 30 July 2026

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that an independent person visits the children’s home at least once each month. 30 July 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 10 When the independent person is carrying out a visit, the registered person must help the independent person—

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Requirement Due date

if they consent, to interview in private such of the children, their parents, relatives, and persons working at the home as the independent person requires. (Regulation 44 (1) (2)(a))

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Requirement Due date

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.

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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—

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Requirement Due date

the quality of care provided for children;

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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; and

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Requirement Due date

any actions that the registered person considers necessary in order to improve or maintain the quality of care provided for children. (Regulation 45 (1) (2)(a)(b)(c)) 30 July 2026

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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: 2820362 11

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Alpine4care Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Office Suite 4, Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0ET

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Inspector

Renée Sims, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2820362 12 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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