Children's Home run by Atlas Children’s Homes Limited in Norfolk

Inspection report for children’s home: 2855462 1 Registered provider: Atlas Children’s Homes Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This multi-build home provides care for up to 4 children with learning disabilities or social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There has been no registered manager since July 2026.

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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 for children’s home: 2855462 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/03/2026 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2855462 3

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Summary of findings

Since the last inspection, children have made progress from their starting points. The children have trusting relationships with a dedicated team of staff who show a strong commitment to the children’s individual needs. Staff communicate with children using their preferred communication methods, such as social stories. This method has enabled children to feel safe, understood and confident in managing situations. The children enjoy a wide range of activities tailored to their individual needs. Children attend education provisions that are tailored to their needs. The staff encourage structure and daily routines. Leaders and managers understand and know the children well and are strong advocates for them. Children experience warm, consistent care at a friendly supportive home. This has resulted in an overall judgement of good.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, no children have moved in or out of the home. Two children were living at the home at the time of the inspection. Both children spoke with the inspector.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is welcoming and well maintained throughout. Children’s bedrooms are personalised to their tastes, which helps them to develop a sense of ownership and comfort. The home is decorated with pictures of staff and children’s own artwork. This creates a family atmosphere that supports children’s sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff use social stories consistently and sensitively to support children’s understanding of expectations and changes to routines. One child uses these as their preferred method of communication. This helps children feel more prepared for change. One parent said, ‘They are so good with the social stories, they really get it and this has helped him understand his world.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children receive individualised care that reflects their interests and preferences. Staff have built trusting relationships with the children. They know them well and demonstrate caring interactions. Observations of staff and children show a positive, warm, playful and nurturing rapport. This provides children with a strong and secure foundation that has contributed to their positive progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children are encouraged to take part in activities in line with their interests and hobbies. Their interests are exceptionally supported and respected by staff. Children enjoy swimming, skating, sewing and some car mechanics. Staff are creative in making sure activities can be enjoyed safely.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to attend education provisions tailored to their needs. Managers and staff work closely with education providers and advocate strongly for the children. One Inspection report for children’s home: 2855462 4 child has started at a farm that supports their interests. Another child attends a vocational provision that supports their interest in horse-riding.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff work effectively with families to maintain positive relationships. They recognise the importance of maintaining family connections for children. These connections are supported through video calls and face-to-face visits, in the community and at the home. Staff are very mindful of different family situations and the potential impact on children. They thoughtfully adapt children’s routines to reduce negative impact.

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

Staff know the children well and have a good understanding of each child’s individual risks and vulnerabilities. These risks are managed effectively through clear and up-to-date individualised support plans. Changes to risk assessments are communicated promptly to the staff team. This means that staff practice remains responsive and children benefit from consistent support.

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

Staff are proactive in keeping children safe in challenging situations. Since the last inspection, there have been a high number of physical restraint. However, physical restraint is only used when staff have exhausted all other options to help children manage their safety. Staff help the children to understand why these steps were required.

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

Behaviour is managed fairly and consistently through natural and restorative approaches. Consequences are clearly linked to actions, and positive choices are recognised. This balanced and nurturing practice helps children learn from their behaviour, make safer decisions and experience positive routines.

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

One serious incident resulted in one child having to temporarily move out of the home, supported by staff. The move back into the home was well planned, with risks appropriately assessed and balanced against the needs of the child already living at the home.

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

Incident records demonstrate largely therapeutic and nurturing approaches. Staff focus on reinforcing positive behaviour, supporting emotional regulation, and helping children understand the impact of their actions. However, it is difficult to review information from the current systems the staff use to record. This can make it challenging to obtain a clear understanding of the child’s journey.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

At the time of the inspection, the registered manager post was vacant. The acting manager has submitted his application to register with Ofsted. The inspection was led by the acting manager supported by the responsible individual. The manager is supported by 2 enthusiastic deputy managers. All have a strong desire to achieve positive outcomes for children. Inspection report for children’s home: 2855462 5 Leaders and managers are child focused and demonstrate a clear understanding of children’s individual needs. They maintain positive relationships with children and ensure that their care is tailored to individual circumstances.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Professionals and families provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about the care and support that children receive. They highlight strong partnership working and note that children have made progress from their starting points due to the consistent care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Management oversight can be clearly seen throughout records and daily practice. Quality assurance systems are embedded and effective. The managers advocate effectively for the children and ensure their voices and best interests are central to all decision-making.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Managers have a good understanding of the team’s strengths and areas for development. Staff say they receive supportive and regular supervision sessions. Staff benefit from regular team meetings and workshops that offer a wide range of learning development opportunities. A clinical psychologist brings further expertise to these meetings and provides additional support. As a result, therapeutic practice is being embedded, understood and delivered by staff. These approaches are making a positive difference to children’s lives.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Managers are visible at the home throughout the week and maintain effective oversight through daily contact with staff. However, reduced management visibility at weekends means staff feel less confident in managing situations and decision-making. This is particularly when incidents have increased. Senior support workers lack the experience and confidence to make decisions when there is no manager at the home. This is being addressed by managers. Inspection report for children’s home: 2855462 6

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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 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

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child. ((Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(c)(e)) 28 August 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record-keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording. Records should be completed in a way that makes it easy to understand what has happened and when. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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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: 2855462 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Atlas Children’s Homes Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Congress House, 14 Lyon Road, Harrow HA1 2EN

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Inspector

Sallie Bloomfield, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2855462 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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