Children's Home run by Core Children Ltd in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children's home: 2682113 1 Registered provider: Core Children 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 organisation. The home provides care for up to 3 children who experience social and emotional difficulties. The home was registered in July 2022.

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Information about this children's home

The same manager has been in post since the home was registered. The manager is registered with Ofsted and suitably qualified.

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Information about this children's home

2 children live in the home and were present for some of the inspection. Both children provided written feedback to the inspector.

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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: 2682113 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

05/03/2026 Full Good 21/01/2025 Full Good 21/02/2024 Full Good 28/02/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: 2682113 3

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Summary of findings

Children benefit from a restorative approach to managing behaviour. Staff know the children and their needs well and provide care that is tailored to each child. Children's interests are encouraged, and they are appropriately used to support children to participate in education. The registered manager has developed positive relationships with the professionals who support children. He has also built effective communication with the people important to children, ensuring they remain connected and aware of the child's daily experiences.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have positive relationships with the adults who support them. One child shared, 'Staff are lovely, they are always there for a chat…they've always comforted me when I went to them.' This means children feel confident in the responses of staff when they need them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is spacious and well decorated, creating a warm and welcoming space. Children personalise their rooms, displaying posters and photos of those important to them. Children and staff pictures are present throughout communal areas, giving a homely feel.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children make good progress in their education. One child, who had not attended school for some time, is now attending education 5 days per week. Staff encourage children to take part in positive activities and use logical consequences when they do not go. For another child, the registered manager has advocated for the benefits for them of having a consistent school place. They have worked closely alongside education colleagues to create a bespoke plan. This has meant the child is able to access a curriculum where they can focus on core subjects.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children to spend time with the people that are important to them. Where required, they are present during these times This allows the child to remain connected while also ensuring this time is safe and meaningful. One parent shared, 'They help me with transport when I need it. I will be forever grateful for what they have done for my child.'

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff speak to children following difficult experiences and events with compassion and understanding. Staff think about the timing and setting of these conversations to support children to participate. They use ad hoc opportunities effectively to provide education about topics such as vaping, emotional wellbeing and safety in relationships.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, with opportunities given to try new things. They are encouraged to continue developing their skills in a way that is sustainable. Where a child has a particular interest, staff use this effectively to incentivise them to Inspection report for children's home: 2682113 4 make progress in other areas. Where one child is a keen fisherman, the registered manager has had a separate storage space built for their kit for ease of access. This recognises their interest, while also ensuring this is kept safe and secure.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff ensure children's health needs are met. Where one child has struggled to attend a health appointment, the registered manager has sought adjustments to make this easier for the child and enable them to attend. Staff work well with health professionals to ensure the right support is in place for children. Where there are differences in opinion, the registered manager advocates on children's behalf effectively, ensuring their views are heard.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Individual support plans are tailored to the child and accessible for staff. They contain useful information that aids staff in knowing how best to support children. This means there is consistency in how staff respond, increasing children's feelings of safety. Children speak positively about the responses they receive from staff, who know them well and understand their needs. One child shared, 'When I'm overwhelmed, staff know now I need space, and this happens.'

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

Staff know children well and are skilled at helping them calm down when they are upset or angry. As a result, fewer significant incidents take place. Where there are concerns for children's or staff's immediate safety, physical intervention is used proportionately. The process that follows focuses on the child's wellbeing and repair of relationships between the staff and children involved.

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

When children self-harm, staff respond in an empathetic manner. They focus on the child's welfare and accessing appropriate support. The registered manager has collaborated with other professionals to develop a plan of response that considers the child's needs and triggers. Their social worker shared, '[The registered manager] has been creative for the child. They were able to think about how certain practices were causing them further distress and decreasing the likelihood they would reach out for support and adjusted these.'

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

Children understand what staff will do when they leave the home unexpectedly. When children go missing from home, staff take appropriate action and are proactive in trying to encourage children to return and keep them in sight. Where this has not been possible, they follow agreed processes in line with children's plans. Guidance to staff is clear, detailed and contains relevant information to support locating the child. When children return home, staff meet them positively and welcome them home.

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

When there are concerns about staff practice, these are dealt with effectively. The registered manager has delivered training and follow-up discussions with staff to ensure their understanding of what constitutes an allegation. This has improved how allegations have been recognised and reported. Investigations are thorough and consider appropriate evidence. Throughout, the child is consulted and able to share their views. Inspection report for children's home: 2682113 5 Children know how to make complaints, with one sharing, 'I know I can request [the responsible individual] comes round and he makes sure I'm heard.' When children do make complaints, these are acknowledged and a response given in a format tailored to the child. This means children feel empowered to share any worries they have about the care they receive.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager holds an exceptional knowledge of the children and their needs and experiences. He has created a culture that seeks to understand why children might behave the way they do, while also offering consistent and supportive boundaries to help them thrive. The home does not use sanctions or consequences, instead adopting a restorative approach. This has supported a reduction in incidents for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Professional feedback is positive about the communication they receive. A child's social worker shared, '[The registered manager] is proactive, keeping me consistently updated, whilst demonstrating the ability to manage situations that arise.' Where appropriate, children's family members receive regular updates from staff, allowing them to understand the lived experiences of their child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There have been some changes of staff since the last inspection, with several staff leaving their roles. Where this has left gaps, the registered manager has sought to use staff known to the children. When this has not been possible, preferred agency staff have been used, alongside experienced members of the team. This has allowed a greater level of consistency for children in their home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff feel well supported by the manager. They share that his accessibility is key to them successfully undertaking their roles. One stated, 'I can go to him whenever I need, he really focuses on the children.' The registered manager promptly seeks out training when there are changes in a child's presentation, increasing staff confidence and skills. This means children benefit from staff well prepared to meet their evolving needs. Inspection report for children's home: 2682113 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person must have systems in place so that all staff receive supervision of their practice from an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, which allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children assigned to their care. This should also be delivered at the frequency as outlined in the statement of purpose. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 61, paragraph 13.2)

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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: 2682113 7

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Core Children Ltd, The Glades, Festival Way, Stoke-on- Trent ST1 5SQ

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Inspector

Fran Dallow, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2682113 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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