Children's Home run by Shalamar Children Limited in Essex

Inspection report for children's home: SC475088 1 SC475088 Registered provider: Shalamar Children Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home provides care for up to 4 children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Four children were living at the home at the time of this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in March 2024.

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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 outstanding

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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: 18 November 2025

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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: SC475088 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/11/2025 Full Good 21/01/2025 Full Good 19/09/2023 Full Good 05/01/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: SC475088 3

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Summary of findings

Children benefit from a nurturing home and stable routines. The staff team is therapeutically trained to meet children’s complex needs.

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Summary of findings

The children benefit from the positive impact of keeping animals. The children have a quiet and reflective garden space.

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Summary of findings

The shortfalls from the previous inspection have been fully met.

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Summary of findings

Recording systems would benefit from being reviewed to ensure they remain effective and some records are not up to date.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, 2 children have moved into the home and 2 children have moved on. One child was moved in an emergency due to significant concerns for their safety, involving the location of the home. Despite the emergency move, all staff said their goodbyes in a sensitive and thoughtful way. One child successfully moved to supported accommodation. This was well planned and the home received complimentary feedback from professionals on the success of the transition plan.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Four children were living at the home at the time of this inspection. One of them was welcomed on the day of the inspection. All 4 children spoke with the inspectors and shared their views.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff know the children exceptionally well. There is a warm and loving atmosphere created in the home, in which each child individually matters. Staff spend time with children, having fun in the garden, listening to music, caring for the animals and chatting together.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

On the day of the inspection, the home was having a sports day with activities planned to welcome the new child. A child had made brownies to welcome the new child and had written a note which was on their bed when they arrived, to make them feel welcome.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff place a strong emphasis on education. All children attend an appropriate provision, and staff advocate effectively on their behalf. Discussions regarding education provision take place before children move into the home, and there is regular communication with schools and colleges to monitor progress and address concerns. For one child who moved on to supported accommodation, a college application was made to ensure they could continue in education once they had left the home. Inspection report for children's home: SC475088 4 Children benefit from staff being therapeutically trained, and having animals promotes emotional wellbeing and responsibility. The home has 3 alpacas, ducks and cats, and one child had a snake and a lizard in their bedroom, which they look after.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, improvements have been made to the home. A beautiful area in the garden has been created, and there have been improvements to the main lounge, which is used for watching films and relaxing. One member of staff said, ‘The lounge/cinema room is used every day now whereas before its transformation it sat empty, only being used for meetings or family time.’ Further developments are planned and leaders recognise the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure a welcoming environment.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Child and led support plans are in place, however, these are not always routinely updated. One child’s plan did not demonstrate a full understanding of how they were being supported with their cultural needs.

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

There is a strong and proactive safeguarding culture in the home. Safeguarding notifications have been reported appropriately and promptly. Swift consultation has taken place with the local authority designated officer when required, and actions have been taken following investigations.

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

There have been a number of physical interventions in this inspection period. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of de-escalation, and they use trauma-informed responses to children who may be distressed. Management oversight is evident, as are debriefs with staff and children.

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

There have been a number of significant incidents involving one child. Staff demonstrate strong resilience, regardless of how challenging the situation or circumstances. The staff team works exceptionally well together. A culture of high aspiration and positivity, led by the manager, enables staff to manage these difficult times.

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

Safer recruitment is undertaken by a HR manager and processes are comprehensive. Staff recruited demonstrate a genuine desire to work with children and bring a lot of experience from previous employment to the role.

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

A fire risk assessment has recently been undertaken and repairs made to the kitchen door.

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

Managers and staff demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of each child’s needs, behaviours, risks and vulnerabilities. However, information relating to exploitation risks and the reduction in those risks was not clear in one child’s assessment. Some handwritten records relating to consequences and individual work lack detail.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Inspection report for children's home: SC475088 5 Exceptionally strong leadership and management have created an environment in which children and staff flourish. The registered manager is highly respected by professionals and the staff team. Children are extremely fond of her, and this is reciprocated by the manager. The manager’s influence and approach have created a nurturing and loving environment in which children can reach their potential. The experienced and committed deputy manager offers much support and cover when required.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is an exceptionally strong advocate for children. She challenges external professionals and parents when needed to ensure children’s voices are clearly heard and actions taken. Children are encouraged to have independent advocates to further ensure their voice is heard.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and managers come up with highly creative and innovative therapeutically-led ideas to ensure that children receive the best possible care. For example, a tent was set up in the home for one child, with fairy lights and snacks, when they were not able to stay overnight on the annual holiday organised by the home. Music decks are set up in the kitchen to encourage children to spend time out of their bedrooms, and one child has recently started at a gospel choir, to support their love of singing and their cultural needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Children are consistently supported by an experienced, skilled and stable staff team. Two members of staff have been recruited since the last inspection; one staff member was already working in the home and has committed to a full-time position. One member of staff said, ‘The home, the young people, the carers, the animals are what makes it a great environment to work in.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive a full induction when they start work and ongoing training that reflects the individual needs of the children. Leaders and managers emphasise staff development and support staff to complete their level 3 diplomas. This investment in staff development helps to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Staff are very positive about their roles and spoke with genuine pride and enthusiasm about the children they care for.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The one requirement and 2 recommendations from the previous inspection have been met. Inspection report for children's home: SC475088 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 registered person must maintain records ("case records") for each child which—

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Requirement Due date

include the information and documents listed in Schedule 3 in relation to each child;

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Requirement Due date

are signed and dated by the author of each entry. (Regulation 36 (1)(a)(b)(c))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that all children’s care plans and risk assessments are kept up to date and review recording systems to ensure they remain effective. 1 September 2026

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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: SC475088 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Shalamar Children Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 63a, Thames Industrial Estate, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Essex RM18 8RH

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Inspectors

Emily Stevens, Social Care Inspector Chris Jay, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: SC475088 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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