Children's Home run by Covy Children's Homes Ltd in Oldham

Inspection report for children's home: 2750008 1 Registered provider: Covy Children's Homes Ltd 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 company. It provides care for up to 4 children with learning disabilities.

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Information about this children's home

Two children were living in the home at the time of this inspection. One child was able to share their views with the inspector. The inspector met with the second child and the interaction between the children and staff was observed.

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Information about this children's home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2025.

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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: 2750008 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/07/2025 Full Good 02/10/2024 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: 2750008 3

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Summary of findings

Children have high levels of care and support needs. They are supported by well-trained staff who know them well and are able to meet their individual and complex needs.

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Summary of findings

Staff understand and promote the children's preferred method of communication. They use pictures and social stories to help children to share their views and participate fully in their day.

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Summary of findings

The manager takes appropriate action when staff do not fulfil their roles or meet the provider's expectations. Staff feel supported by the manager and can access a range of support and wellbeing activities. The manager's and staff's relationships with external professionals are very good.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are happy living in the home. They have developed trusted relationships with staff and enjoy spending time with them. Children are supported by staff to understand and talk about their needs and emotions. Children form attachments with staff and seek reassurance and support from them. Parents feel reassured about the standard of care and stability that this home gives to their children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have well planned and predictable weeks that help them to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences. Children enjoy visiting theme parks, trips to the seaside and trying new experiences such as canoeing. Children are well prepared for these days by staff. Social stories are used to help children to understand the world around them and social expectations.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are developing independence skills at a pace that suits their needs. Staff are ambitious for children and help them to reach their full potential. Children are making good progress with their education, and their engagement has increased. The manager challenges education providers when they are unable to meet children's needs, resulting in a better-suited provision being found.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is welcoming, homely and free from hazards. Children move freely around their home, and the high levels of support they require do not impact on their privacy. There are books, games and toys available and a range of accessible play equipment in the garden for children to enjoy. The manager ensures that the home is well maintained, and damage is swiftly repaired. However, to maintain high standards, the home would benefit from refreshed paintwork to scuffed walls and doors. Inspection report for children's home: 2750008 4

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

Staff have a good understanding of the children's needs and their lived experiences. Children's risk assessments and care plans provide staff with current and clear information that directs their practice. The manager takes immediate and effective action when staff have not responded effectively to children's needs. Any practice concerns or allegations against staff are investigated and well managed. The manager recognises the importance of keeping children safe from harm.

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

Staff have extensive knowledge of children's complex health needs. They manage medication and children's dietary needs safely and in partnership with relevant health professionals. Children are helped and encouraged to understand their health needs and manage their medication, appropriate to their abilities. Children receive the right support to help them stay healthy and well.

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

Staff offer consistent care and are quickly able to recognise and respond to changes in children's moods or behaviour. Some children require high levels of physical intervention to keep them and others safe. These restraints are proportionate and carried out in a supportive manner. Managers review incidents and reflect with staff and other professionals to explore practice strategies, helping provide greater stability for children.

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

Regular input from speech and language, occupational therapy and psychologists, supports staff to fully understand the children's needs. Staff are curious about the functions of behaviour and show consistency in their delivery of care. Children are helped to understand staff's use of natural consequences, and these are reviewed to ensure that they are helpful to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is ambitious for the children in her care, and she strongly advocates for their needs. She has high expectations of her staff and is not afraid to professionally challenge outside agencies until the desired outcomes and necessary support is in place for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The management team recognises the benefits of having well-trained staff. They have sourced targeted training that is focused specifically to the children's individual needs. The induction plan for newly appointed staff incorporates bespoke training that equips them for their role. Staff training needs are revisited regularly to ensure that their skills and competencies are kept up to date.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff appreciate how the manager and wider management team help them to progress in their roles. Staff engage in regular supervision sessions, supportive discussions, staff meetings and wellbeing activities, including days out and wellness sessions. Most staff said that they were well supported. Staff can also receive personal or professional support with the home's psychologist. Inspection report for children's home: 2750008 5 Professionals and parents said the staff and manager make themselves available and there is very good communication. Professionals feel the culture of the home is very child centred and the best interests of the children are at the centre of staff practice. Professionals describe good collaborative working and the sharing of information and ideas. Parents said that staff are 'calm', 'warm' and 'amazing'. Inspection report for children's home: 2750008 6

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them. In particular, the registered person must ensure that staff respond immediately to the needs of children and follow children's care plans. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,' page 42, paragraph 9.5)  The registered person should ensure that the redecoration of areas of wear and tear in the home takes place to maintain high standards. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,' page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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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: 2750008 7

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Covy Children's Homes Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: 97 High Street, Lees, Oldham OL4 4LY

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Inspector

Jo Cansfield, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2750008 8 regulates 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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Inspector

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