Children's Home run by Small Steps Matter in Derby

Inspection report for children’s home: 2867899 1 Registered provider: Small Steps Matter Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned. It provides care for up to 2 children with emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in March 2026.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, one child was living in the home. The child’s views were obtained for the inspection.

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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

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2867899 2

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Summary of findings

The child currently living in the home benefits from warm and consistent care from staff who know the child well and understand their individual needs. The staff and child are building positive relationships to help the child make progress from their starting point when moving to the home. The manager provides good leadership and supports staff to develop their skills. Staff work well with parents and external professionals to meet the child’s needs. Safeguarding practice is generally effective. However, leaders have not maintained all records consistently. Statutory requirements and recommendations have been set at this inspection to strengthen oversight and promote the child’s welfare.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child has lived at the home since it was registered. The manager had a child- centred approach to when the child moved into the home. Staff skills and experience were considered alongside the child’s known risks and vulnerabilities. The manager determined if staff could meet the child’s needs and provide good and safe care. The child was able to visit the home before moving in and received an age-appropriate guide. This explains daily routines, expectations, rights and how to raise any concerns they may have.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff help the child to maintain good relationships with those people who are important to the child. The staff work closely with the child’s parent to promote a consistent approach to the child’s care. Staff support the child to spend time with family and friends. The staff also spend meaningful time with the child, going to the gym and cycling together. Staff keep photos and keepsakes in a scrapbook for the child to remember their time living at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is actively involved in weekly meetings in the home. Topics include healthy living, routines and activities. Staff use an age-appropriate ‘thought cloud’ to prompt ideas. The child reflects on what has gone well and what they would like to change. The child is working on a summer holiday activity and an achievement goals and rewards plan to enhance their experiences over the summer. The child can share their views, contribute to decisions about their care and feel listened to.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff promote the child’s understanding of equality, diversity and identity. The child is developing their understanding of difference. Staff complete regular key-work sessions to encourage respectful behaviour. One member of staff is the equality, diversity and inclusion champion. They plan monthly themes and activities linked to the child’s interests. Staff encourage positive self-care routines that help the child develop confidence. This helps the child to develop a greater understanding of others and a positive sense of self. Inspection report for children’s home: 2867899 3

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

Staff know the child well and understand the risks they face. They use this knowledge to adapt their responses when the child’s behaviour changes. Staff access external professional advice and guidance when required to help with their responses to the child and keep them safe. This helps them to respond consistently and reduces the risk of incidents escalating.

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

Staff respond to incidents in a calm and proportionate way to reduce the risk of harm to the child and others. Managers seek advice from a professional trainer when physical interventions need further consideration and to learn lessons to prevent reoccurrence. Additionally, managers’ reviews focus on improving proactive responses and the safe management of future incidents.

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

Managers share safeguarding concerns with external professionals appropriately. Allegations are reported without delay and professional advice is followed. Staff take time to understand the child’s views and feelings so that they feel heard. This ensures that safeguarding responses meet their needs.

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

Managers do not always update safeguarding records quickly enough. Risk assessments are not reviewed immediately following significant incidents. Staff checks of the child’s phone are not completed in line with the agreed plan. As a result, staff do not have the most up-to-date guidance to help them manage known risks to the child.

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

Staff respond promptly when the child is injured. They administer first aid and offer medical treatment. The child declined to attend hospital following one injury. Staff did not seek further advice and the injury was not assessed by a medical professional. There is no recorded rationale to show how the child’s health needs were considered.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager knows the child well. She understands the child’s starting point from when moving to the home, the child’s individual needs and the progress made by the child. She speaks positively about the child and has high aspirations for their future. This helps the child to receive care that reflects their needs and supports progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is developing many new staff in the home. Staff complete a thorough induction and a wide range of training to prepare them for their role. The manager is getting to know each staff member’s strengths. She has introduced champion roles, including equality, diversity and inclusion, and activities. This helps staff to develop their skills and meet the child’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager holds regular team meetings. Staff take part in presentations and reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist. One staff member delivered a presentation on the impact of technology on children. This helps staff understand social media, artificial intelligence and online risks. Staff discuss concerns and identify ways to Inspection report for children’s home: 2867899 4 improve communication. Staff reflect on their practice and provide consistent care for the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision. The manager is academically qualified in psychology. Staff say this knowledge shapes their supervision sessions. Discussions focus on staff wellbeing, the child’s needs and professional development. This helps staff to feel supported and confident in their role.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

An external professional and a parent spoke positively about the communication and leadership of the home. Staff feel well supported and value the induction, training and guidance they receive. This helps to create a confident, stable network of adults around the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has revised the statement of purpose. However, updates have not been submitted to Ofsted since initial registration of the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2867899 5

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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

that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. (Regulation 12 (1)(2)(b))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically refers to ensuring risk assessments are up to date following significant events. Also, that staff are provided with clear guidance and strategies to monitor mobile phone use. 28 July 2026

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Requirement Due date

keep the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it; and

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Requirement Due date

notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised statement within 28 days of the revision. (Regulation 16 (3)(a)(b))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically refers to any revised statement of purpose being submitted to HMCI within 28 days. 28 July 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff have the relevant skills and knowledge to be able to respond to the health needs of children. In particular, where a child sustains an injury that may require medical attention, staff should seek appropriate medical advice and clearly record the rationale for any decision not to do so, to ensure health needs are consistently met. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 34, paragraph 7.12) Inspection report for children’s home: 2867899 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: 2867899 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Cobalt Square Ground Floor Suite 4, 83-85 Hagley Road, Edgdbaston, Birmingham B16 8QG

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Inspectors

Susie Vere, Social Care Inspector Siobhan Holmes, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2867899 8 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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