Children's Home run by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council in Knowsley

Inspection report for children’s home: SC037657 1 SC037657 Registered provider: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

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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 local authority children’s home provides care for up to 3 children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 3 children were living at the home and spoke with the inspectors.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2023.

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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: SC037657 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/06/2025 Full Good 08/05/2024 Full Good 22/08/2023 Full Good 05/04/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC037657 3

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Summary of findings

Children are happy, well supported and making positive progress in a warm and caring home.

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Summary of findings

Children are kept safe by staff who have built positive relationships, understand children’s needs and support them well.

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Summary of findings

The home is well led by an experienced manager and a committed staff team who provide good-quality care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

There are 3 children living in the home. The home environment is warm and welcoming. Children have positive relationships with staff, who speak positively about them and have in-depth knowledge of their likes and needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager ensures that consideration is given to the suitability of the home and the ability of staff to meet children’s individual needs. One child moved out of the home after careful preparation with staff and another child has moved into the home. These moves were well planned and managed sensitively. Staff spent time with the child to start getting to know them before they moved in to help them feel at ease.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff clearly enjoy spending quality time with the children and provide a wide range of engaging activities suited to their individual interests. These include board games, cinema trips and opportunities to watch their favourite bands. Children also benefit from memorable experiences such as sledging in the snow, visits to the beach and city breaks, all of which help to strengthen relationships and create lasting positive memories.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Education is supported and promoted in the home. All children are accessing education that supports healthy routines, socialising with peers and continuing their learning journey. Staff put incentives in place and work with other professionals to encourage attendance on a regular basis.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are met. Staff liaise with relevant health professionals and support children’s attendance at appointments. Children are educated to understand risks associated with vaping and alcohol use. As a result, children are making healthier choices.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to spend time with people who are important to them, in line with their care plans. Children are able to maintain relationships with people who matter to them, which promotes their sense of identity and belonging. Inspection report for children’s home: SC037657 4 Children’s views are sought by staff, who spend time with children individually to enable them to share their views. Children feel heard and know their views are important and staff will advocate on their behalf. Children have access to an independent advocate and are aware of how to make a complaint should they want to.

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

The manager and staff have a good understanding of each child’s needs and the actions needed to support them to stay safe. Staff are kept up to date of any new needs as they arise and work consistently to keep children safe.

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

Staff respond to children in a warm, engaging manner that supports relationships and has a positive impact on children’s behaviour. Negative consequences are rare and any unwanted behaviour is managed restoratively. Positive routines are encouraged with the use of incentives.

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

Staff have a good understanding of how to respond to any incidents of self-harm. The team has access to a therapist for advice on how best to support the children. Children’s risks are reducing in response to this.

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

Children are supported to build independence at their own pace. They are encouraged to try new things and take age-appropriate risks, helping them develop skills and grow in confidence. This has supported children to travel independently, and one child has successfully moved to live independently.

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

Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and how to escalate any concerns. When any safeguarding concerns arise, there is a timely, robust response. Staff work closely with other agencies to support the children and reduce any ongoing risk.

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

Appropriate monitoring systems are in place to support children to stay safe online. These are reviewed regularly to ensure they are relevant and up to date.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is managed effectively by an experienced and knowledgeable manager. The manager is supported by a committed and stable staff team. Staff spoke positively about the support from the manager and the wider organisation.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has efficient monitoring systems in place including monthly audits and oversight of any incidents to track children’s progress and service delivery. The manager makes use of the independent visitor to review the quality of care provided to the children. Inspection report for children’s home: SC037657 5 Staff members receive regular supervision sessions. They discuss their work, the children’s plans and progress and reflect on their own practice. There are annual staff appraisals that support staff progression.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have ample opportunities to meet to discuss the children’s needs. There are regular handover meetings to keep staff appraised of the children’s daily activities and any new information. Staff also meet monthly to discuss recent events and reflect on training. All mandatory training is in place and bespoke training to meet the children’s individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Feedback from external professionals is positive and highlights the warm, nurturing support that children receive from all staff. A social worker said, ‘This is my first time working with them, but I can’t speak more highly, they have been amazing from the start.’ Inspection report for children’s home: SC037657 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: SC037657 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Children’s Regulatory Services, 1st Floor Nutgrove Villa, Huyton Municipal Building, c/o Postroom, Archway Road, Huyton, Merseyside L36 9YU

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Inspectors

Melanie Cotterill, Social Care Inspector Cathy Wilkins, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC037657 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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