Children's Home run by Guidance Care Limited in Blackpool

Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 1 Registered provider: Guidance Care Limited

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned and is registered to provide care for up to 3 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

There were 2 children living at the home at the time of this inspection. The inspector spoke with both children.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The registered manager left their role in January 2026. There is currently no registered manager.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

requires improvement to be good

How well children and young people are helped and protected requires improvement to be good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

The children’s home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

p.1

requires improvement to be good

Overall judgement at last inspection: inadequate

p.1

Enforcement action since last inspection:

Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 2 This home was judged inadequate at a full inspection on 22 and 23 April 2026. Following this inspection, Ofsted issued two compliance notices under section 22A of the Care Standards Act 2000. These related to Regulation 12, ‘The protection of children standard’, and Regulation 13, ‘The leadership and management standard’.

p.2

Enforcement action since last inspection:

A monitoring visit was carried out on 9 June 2026 to monitor the action taken by the provider to meet the compliance notices and it was found that suitable action had not been taken to address all of the shortfalls identified at the inadequate inspection. Further compliance notices were issued under section 22A of the Care Standards Act 2000. These related to Regulation 12, ‘The protection of children standard’, and Regulation 13, ‘The leadership and management standard’.

p.2

Enforcement action since last inspection:

The progress in meeting the compliance notices issued following the last monitoring visit on 9 June 2026 was considered at this full inspection. A case review was held following the inspection and it was determined that the provider had taken action to meet all the steps in the compliance notices served under Regulation 12 and Regulation 13. Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 3

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/04/2026 Full Inadequate 27/08/2025 Full Good 26/11/2024 Full Good 27/02/2024 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 4

p.3

Summary of findings

Children benefit from positive and caring relationships with staff. They are supported to make progress in several areas of their lives.

p.4

Summary of findings

Leaders and staff have completed safeguarding training and leaders have implemented systems to monitor practice and identify shortfalls. These changes have strengthened safeguarding practice and improved oversight. However, these changes are recent and have not yet fully embedded in practice.

p.4

improvement to be good

Staff know children well and have developed trusting relationships with them. Children speak positively about the care and support they receive from staff. Staff encourage children to express their views and wishes and act on these where possible. When children’s wishes cannot be acted on, staff explain the reasons for this.

p.4

improvement to be good

Staff understand and support children’s health needs. Children are supported to attend routine health appointments, and referrals are made to specialist services when required. However, staff did not support one child to understand the purpose and importance of these appointments when they declined to attend.

p.4

improvement to be good

Staff support children’s education plans and encourage their attendance by reinforcing boundaries, routines and using incentives to promote engagement. Staff are supporting one child who is not accessing full-time education or employment. They are doing this creatively by helping the child access voluntary work and a life skills project. Financial incentives are also used to encourage attendance. Plans are in place for one child to start an NVQ in September 2026.

p.4

improvement to be good

Children are supported to maintain meaningful relationships with people who are important to them. Staff support family members to be involved in children’s plans. Positive relationships are promoted and any feedback or concerns are acted on swiftly.

p.4

improvement to be good

Staff support children to develop their independence and practical life skills in preparation for adulthood. This includes preparing shopping lists, budgeting and completing the shopping with staff support. One child feels ready for the move to independence later this year, which reflects the progress they have made.

p.4

improvement to be good

The home environment is comfortable and safe for children. Since the last inspection, improvements have been made to the garden area, which has created a more welcoming space for children to enjoy. Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 5

p.4

improvement to be good

There have been no allegations, disclosures or concerns since the last inspection. Staff have completed safeguarding training and demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. Staff spoken to during the inspection were able to accurately explain the action they would take if they had concerns about a child’s welfare or safety.

p.5

improvement to be good

Staff know children well and have a good understanding of their individual needs and vulnerabilities. One child has lived at the home for three years, during which time staff have provided consistent care, stability and nurturing support. As a result, the child has made significant progress from their starting point and continues to benefit from the positive relationships they have developed with staff.

p.5

improvement to be good

Staff regularly review children’s risks and vulnerabilities. However, they do not always provide clear, specific or individualised guidance in children’s risk assessments or support plans. As a result, staff do not consistently have the information they need to respond effectively to children’s identified risks and needs.

p.5

improvement to be good

One child has experienced a high number of missing-from-home episodes. Staff have appropriately notified relevant agencies, maintained contact with the child, encouraged their return and arranged independent return home interviews. However, staff have missed opportunities to visit known locations during missing episodes. In addition, one child left the home without staff’s knowledge, and leaders and managers did not take sufficient action to prevent this from happening again in the future. As a result, opportunities to reduce risk and strengthen safeguarding practice have been missed.

p.5

improvement to be good

Staff discuss important topics with children, including bail conditions, healthy relationships and the importance of school attendance. However, staff do not consistently use opportunities to educate children about risks such as drug use and knife crime or help them to develop strategies to keep themselves safe.

p.5

improvement to be good

Staff have not needed to physically restrain a child since the last inspection. However, they have completed relevant training and are equipped to do so safely if necessary to protect children or others from harm.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

There is no registered manager in post. The responsible individual, supported by managers from other homes within the organisation, oversees the day-to-day management of the home while the provider recruits to the registered manager position.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

A consistent staff team provides children with continuity of care from adults who know them well. Although changes in leadership have resulted in a period of instability, the provider has appointed a new manager to join the home and has developed plans to strengthen and develop the staff team. Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 6 Leaders and managers have implemented systems to strengthen oversight of staff practice, processes and significant events. These systems help them identify shortfalls and drive ongoing improvements. However, leaders and managers have not ensured that staff consistently maintain accurate records or fully capture significant events and key discussions with children. As a result, records do not always provide a complete account of children’s experiences and the support they receive.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Leaders and managers welcome the external scrutiny provided by the independent visitor. However, they do not routinely seek feedback from staff, parents or professionals to evaluate the quality of care and operation of the home. As a result, they do not make full use of stakeholder feedback to inform service development and drive improvement.

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Managers complete supervision sessions regularly. Since the last inspection, they have improved both the frequency and quality of supervision. These sessions focus on children’s experiences, promote reflective practice and provide staff with opportunities for professional development and support.

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Staff have completed a broad range of training. Since the last inspection, the manager and senior staff have completed designated safeguarding lead (DSL) training and staff have refreshed their safeguarding training, including whistleblowing procedures. However, leaders and managers have not ensured that all staff have completed training relevant to children’s individual needs, including substance misuse, knife crime, trauma- informed practice, PACE and bereavement.

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Managers hold regular team meetings that staff attend consistently. These meetings provide opportunities to reflect on significant events, share important information about children and strengthen staff understanding of safeguarding practice and procedures. Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 7

p.6

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.

p.7

Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

p.7

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.7

Requirement Due date

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child;

p.7

Requirement Due date

help each child to understand how to keep safe;

p.7

Requirement Due date

have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

p.7

Requirement Due date

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

p.7

Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare; and

p.7

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.

p.7

Requirement Due date

(Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(b))

p.7

Requirement Due date

Specifically, the registered person must ensure that they identify preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of children leaving the home without staff knowledge.

p.7

Requirement Due date

In addition, the registered person must ensure that when missing incidents occur, staff are proactive in searching known areas that children visit. 10 September 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 8 The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

p.7

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.8

Requirement Due date

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child;

p.8

Requirement Due date

help each child to understand how to keep safe;

p.8

Requirement Due date

have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

p.8

Requirement Due date

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person.

p.8

Requirement Due date

(Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(v))

p.8

Requirement Due date

Specifically, the registered person must ensure that children’s risk assessments contain individual and specific strategies to keep them safe.

p.8

Requirement Due date

In addition, the registered person must ensure that each child is provided with direct work sessions that cover their presenting needs, such as knife crime. 10 September 2026

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered provider must appoint a person to manage the children’s home if—

p.8

Requirement Due date

there is no registered manager in respect of the home; and

p.8

Requirement Due date

is not, or does not intend to be, in day-to-day charge of the home.

p.8

Requirement Due date

If the registered provider appoints a person to manage the home, the registered provider must, without delay, give HMCI notice of— 10 September 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 9 the name of the person so appointed; and

p.8

Requirement Due date

the date on which the appointment takes effect.

p.9

Requirement Due date

(Regulation 27 (1)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii) (2)(a)(b))

p.9

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—

p.9

Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

p.9

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

p.9

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

p.9

Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home.

p.9

Requirement Due date

Specifically, the registered person must ensure that staff have suitable training to meet children’s individual and specific needs. 10 September 2026

p.9

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—

p.9

Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

p.9

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

p.9

Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home.

p.9

Requirement Due date

Specifically, the registered person must ensure that an accurate record is kept of key events, incidents and significant discussions between staff and children. 10 September 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 10 The health and well-being standard is that—

p.9

Requirement Due date

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

p.10

Requirement Due date

children receive advice, services and support in relation to their health and well-being; and

p.10

Requirement Due date

children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles.

p.10

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.10

Requirement Due date

achieve the health and well-being outcomes that are recorded in the child’s relevant plans;

p.10

Requirement Due date

understand the child’s health and well-being needs and the options that are available in relation to the child’s health and well-being, in a way that is appropriate to the child’s age and understanding;

p.10

Requirement Due date

take part in activities, and attend any appointments, for the purpose of meeting the child’s health and well-being needs; and

p.10

Requirement Due date

understand and develop skills to promote the child’s well-being.

p.10

Requirement Due date

(Regulation 10 (1)(a)(b)(c) (2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv))

p.10

Requirement Due date

Specifically, the registered provider must ensure that staff prepare children to attend health appointments and support children to understand the purpose and importance of these appointments. 10 September 2026

p.10

Requirement Due date

When the independent person is carrying out a visit, the registered person must help the independent person—

p.10

Requirement Due date

if they consent, to interview in private such of the children, their parents, relatives and persons working at the home as the independent person requires. (Regulation 44 (2)(a)) 10 September 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 11

p.10

Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording. Staff should record information on individual children in a non-stigmatising way. Information about the child must always be recorded in a way that will be helpful to the child (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4).

p.11

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: 2558681 12

p.11

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Guidance Care Limited

p.12

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 8 Sovereign Court, Wyrefields, Poulton Industrial Estate, Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 8JX

p.12

Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Lorraine Anderson

p.12

Inspectors

Katie Tomlinson, Social Care Inspector Sadie Green, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2558681 13 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.

p.12

Inspectors

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.13

Inspectors

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.13

Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.13