Children's Home run by Bayleaf Care Limited in Derby

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2814713 1 Registered provider: Bayleaf Care Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned. It is registered to provide care for 4 children who may have emotional, behavioural and/or social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in September 2025.

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Information about this children’s home

There were 2 children living at the home at the time of the inspection. Their views were sought during the inspection.

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Inspection date: 8 July 2026

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2814713 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Two children were living at the home at the time of the inspection and 2 children who had recently moved in have moved on. The staff were not able to manage the needs of all 4 children. This resulted in several serious incidents in which children and staff were hurt. One child, who had been more settled, has been impacted by incidents, for example, disturbed sleep and missing an exam because the staff could not prevent another child from disrupting this. The child has since been supported and a new date scheduled for the exam. The child said they are happier now there are fewer children living at the home. The other child is also more settled. They have started to spend more time with staff doing activities.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have been unable to prevent children from causing damage to the home. The damage is being repaired, and incidents of damage have reduced. One child’s bedroom was in disarray, with an accumulation of litter underneath their bed. Staff are yet to find ways of helping the child to keep their room clean and tidy.

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Findings from the inspection

One child had left the home to stay with family and had not returned. This child’s placement has now ended. Staff visited the child to say goodbye and take their belongings. However, the child was upset as some items were missing. The staff did not adhere to the agreed plan for this visit, which is being addressed by the manager.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have positive relationships with some staff; however, they do not respond well to others. This affects the consistency of care provided to children.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager and staff have managed numerous serious incidents in which children and staff have been injured. Children have made allegations of harm following incidents. All allegations have been fully investigated and shared with relevant professionals. This demonstrates a transparent approach.

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Findings from the inspection

Some staff have less confidence than others when de-escalating difficult situations. There have been shortfalls in practice which have placed children at increased risk of harm. On one occasion, a child gained access to a vehicle, causing damage. The manager is currently providing intensive training to help staff increase their skills in this area of practice. Shortfalls are being addressed through supervision and performance management.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have gone missing from home. On one occasion, children were missing together for an extended period in worrying circumstances. The manager and staff worked with other professionals and family members to locate the children and return them home. Professionals said communication from the home while the children were missing was effective. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2814713 3 One child is at risk of exploitation. The manager is working with a range of professionals to keep the child as safe as possible.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have experienced a turbulent period at the home. They accept that the combined risks and vulnerabilities of 3 children in their care were beyond the skills and knowledge of the staff team. The manager and responsible individual have taken action to reduce risks and stabilise the home. They recognise the importance of using professional curiosity when gathering information about children before accepting them into the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers have reflected on recent experiences and lessons have been learned. The manager has gained a better understanding of the home’s strengths and areas for development. They are implementing intensive training and development for the staff team. The impact of the training is yet to be embedded in practice.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager and responsible individual are working to meet the requirements set at the full inspection. Plans to improve practice are in place, however, requirements and recommendations have not yet been met and have been reissued. A further requirement, under regulation 14, has been set at this inspection. All requirements and recommendations will be reviewed at the next inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

06/05/2026 Full Good 20/01/2026 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2814713 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person 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 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

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

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)(a)(v)(b))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to ensuring that children’s risk management plans contain helpful guidance and direction to help staff keep children safe.

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Requirement Due date

This also relates to staff consistently following risk assessments and safety plans to keep children safe. This includes undertaking regular room searches where necessary and keeping the home’s vehicles secure.

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Requirement Due date

This also relates to ensuring that staff use physical interventions safely and effectively when they are at increased risk of harm.

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Requirement Due date

This also relates to ensuring that staff keep accurate records of serious incidents involving children. 9 September 2026

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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 9 September 2026 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2814713 5 promotes their welfare.

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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 delivers 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 staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(b)(c))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to ensuring that all staff have the skills and knowledge to work together to enable children to meet their potential, and provide consistent care across the team.

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Requirement Due date

This also relates to ensuring that staff are provided with focused learning and direction following incidents with children where areas for improvement are identified.

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Requirement Due date

The health and well-being standard is that—

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Requirement Due date

the health and well-being needs of children are met;

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Requirement Due date

children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles. (Regulation 10 (1)(a)(c))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to ensuring that all children have healthy daily routines, regular meals and take part in the daily life of the home. 9 September 2026

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Requirement Due date

The care planning standard is that children—

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Requirement Due date

receive effectively planned care in or through the children’s home; and

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Requirement Due date

have a positive experience of arriving at or moving on from the home.

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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 children are admitted to the home only if their needs are within the range of needs of children for whom it is intended 9 September 2026 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2814713 6 that the home is to provide care and accommodation, as set out in the home’s statement of purpose; (Regulation 14 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to ensuring that children’s risks and vulnerabilities are fully assessed before they move into the home to ensure they can be cared for safely alongside other children living in the home.

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Requirement Due date

This also relates to ensuring that staff adhere to plans for children’s endings when they leave the home. In particular, when handing over children’s belongings in a safe way.

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that children who have experienced severe trauma, have mental health difficulties or have been excluded or out of education for significant periods are supported to work through their past experiences and present needs so they can positively participate in learning activities and formal education. Staff in children’s homes will play a key role in supporting these children in line with their personal education plan or education, health and care plan and recommendations from education and health professionals. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 26, paragraph 5.3)  The registered person should ensure that staff help children develop skills to have positive relationships with others. ‘Others’ includes individuals both inside and outside the home, such as other children in the home, staff, family members, siblings, previous carers and friends (in accordance with their relevant plans).

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Recommendations

This includes acting on feedback and observations when children are together to ensure that children do not become isolated in the home. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 38, paragraph 8.6) Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2814713 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Bayleaf Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 7 Bankside, The Watermark, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 9SY

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Responsible individual:

Registered manager: Georgina Kowalkowski

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Inspector

Laura Walker, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2814713 8 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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