Children's Home run by Changing Lives Care Group Ltd in Leicestershire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2879919 1 Registered provider: Changing Lives Care Group Ltd

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private organisation. It provides care for up to 3 children with emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home, and their views were considered.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in April 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

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: 2879919 2

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Summary of findings

The child is making good progress since coming to live at this home. The child experiences consistent and nurturing care from committed staff. The manager planned the child’s move into the home well. The manager maintains effective oversight of the child’s care. Staff understand the child’s needs and provide care that promotes safety and stability for the child. The child benefits from individualised education, meaningful activities and good support from staff. This helps to develop the child’s confidence, social skills and cultural identity. Areas to strengthen include staff supervision and team communication for new staff in line with the home’s policies.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager planned the child’s move into the home thoughtfully and with care. This was despite a shorter timescale for the move. The manager completed thorough risk assessments before the child moved in, which meant that staff could immediately provide safe care for the child. This enabled the manager to match staff skills and experience to the child’s needs. This helped the child feel safe and build trusting relationships with staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff worked with the child’s parents to understand the child’s daily routines. Staff provided familiar food, activities and routines from the outset. The child received an age- appropriate children’s guide. The guide explains routines, expectations and boundaries in a child-friendly way. This helps the child know what to expect and settle into the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child experienced a temporary move away from the home during some planned building work taking place. A safe and suitable home was identified before the move. Staff explained the move in a way the child could understand. The child continued to attend the same education provision and spend time with family and enjoy activities. The staff remained consistent throughout the move, as did the care they provided for the child. This reduced disruption and promoted stability for the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager updates the child’s care plan to reflect their changing needs. Staff monitor the child’s progress through weekly reports to plan for next steps and any developments in the child’s life. Staff use the plan to respond when the child needs emotional support. The manager has created a child-friendly care plan with clear targets. The child understands their progress, celebrates achievements and receives consistent care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s love of animals is promoted through a bespoke education programme. Staff encourage the child’s engagement using a reward system, which motivates them and recognises their achievements. However, when important information relating to the child’s education is not shared, the manager is not yet providing sufficient challenge to external agencies. Strengthening this challenge would help ensure that staff have the information they need to monitor the child’s progress effectively. Inspection report for children’s home: 2879919 3 Staff encourage the child to take part in activities at home and in the community. The child enjoys football and has visited London with staff. Staff promote the child’s identity through themed cultural evenings. They learn about the child’s heritage to provide informed care. Staff support the child’s relationships with family. This helps the child develop confidence, social skills and develop new interests.

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

Leaders and managers promote a chosen therapeutic model of care practice. This helps staff to support the child to understand their emotions and experiences. The psychotherapist, who supports the staff, attends team meetings to discuss how to support the child. This helps and guides staff in providing consistent care and messages to the child.

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

Staff understand the child’s individual risks. They use individualised behaviour support plans that provide clear strategies to reduce risk. Staff use key work and therapeutic advice to help the child understand safety. This helps the child make safer choices.

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

Staff follow the child’s missing-from-care procedure if the child goes missing from the home. Appropriate action is taken during and after any missing-from-home episodes. Door alarms are used with the consent of the child’s parent and placing local authority. This helps staff to respond promptly if the child leaves home. The manager does not consistently review the use of door alarms. This will ensure that they remain necessary and proportionate. Staff complete direct work with the child after each incident. The child reflects on their experiences and learns how to stay safe.

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

Staff receive training in de-escalating incidents and how to physically intervene when required. Overall, incidents are well managed and physical intervention is rarely used. The manager reviews each intervention and ensures that staff and the child have debriefs. This helps the child experience safe and consistent care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has a detailed understanding of the child’s needs. He speaks confidently about the child’s starting points when first moving to the home. The manager and staff understand the child’s strengths and areas of vulnerability. The child’s care plan reflects this knowledge. Staff follow the agreed strategies and provide consistent care. This helps the child to feel understood and emotionally secure.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager maintains effective oversight of the home and the child’s care. He reviews significant events promptly and follows up any actions required. Daily monitoring helps identify emerging risks and any areas that need improvement. Staff care practice is observed regularly by the manager to ensure that consistent care is provided to the child. The manager understands the child’s daily experiences and identifies areas for improvement. The child benefits from consistent and well-planned care. Inspection report for children’s home: 2879919 4 The manager understands the strengths of staff and identifies areas for ongoing development. Staff receive training to develop their knowledge and skills. The manager arranges bespoke training to meet the child’s individual needs. This helps staff provide care that reflects the child’s experiences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager provides staff with monthly supervision. Staff discuss the child’s progress, their responsibilities and the chosen therapeutic approach. Staff also reflect on their own practice and emotional wellbeing. The manager ensures that supervision is reflective and provides clear direction. However, the manager should provide new staff with supervision twice each month during induction, in line with the home’s supervision policy.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has established a positive team culture. Staff describe the manager as approachable and supportive. Staff work well together and communicate effectively. One formal team meeting has taken place since the child moved into the home. The meeting provided clear direction for staff. The manager should hold team meetings more often as the team continues to develop. The child benefits from consistent care provided by stable and supportive staff. Inspection report for children’s home: 2879919 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person must have systems in place so that all staff, including the manager, receive supervision of their practice from an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, which allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children assigned to their care. This refers to new staff receiving regular supervision and team meetings in line with the home’s policies and procedures. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 61, paragraph 13.2)

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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: 2879919 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Changing Lives Care Group Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Office 7, 35-37 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JN

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Inspector

Susie Vere, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2879919 7 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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