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Social care · Children's home inspection (SCCIF)

Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Shropshire

Inspected 13 Aug 2026 · published 25 Sept 2026 · URN SC476326

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Summary

What we read, and from where

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  • Group verified

    Cambian Childcare Ltd

  • Inspection date verified

    13 Aug 2026

  • Inspectors verified

    Julia Tompson, Salma Ahmed

  • Helped and protected verified

    Good

  • Leadership and management verified

    Good

  • Overall effectiveness verified

    Good

  • Name on report verified

    SC476326

  • URN verified

    SC476326

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

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Grade profile

Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2025.

  • OverallGood
  • Helped and protectedGood
  • Leadership and managementGood

70% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Good (12,716 inspections).

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+50Positivemore positive than 65% of reports of this type graded Good
OutstandingGoodRIInadequate

In line with other reports of this type graded Good.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praisepositiveeffectivestrongenjoyhigh expectationsthrivenurturingsettled
Criticismconcernsrequires improvementseriousconcernseriouslyharmlimited

How the report reads, start to finish

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FindingsAbout the inspectionWhat needs to improve positive critical
  • Findings1272w+53
  • What needs to improve44w−33

Strengths

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Concerns

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Next steps

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What the report dwells on

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Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
8
Words of findings
1,286
about usual (typical 1319)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 47, typical 51
Average sentence
16 words
Next steps
2
typical 4
Hedged sentences
0%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 76%What needs to improve 3%About the inspection 22%

Full report text

Inspection report for children’s home: SC476326 1 SC476326 Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private company. It provides care for up to 5 children with complex needs and who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 3 children were living in the home. All 3 children spent time with the inspectors.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager is suitably qualified and has applied to register with Ofsted.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

p.1

good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

p.1

good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

p.1

good

Date of last inspection: 12 November 2025

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: This home was judged ‘requires improvement to be good’ following the full inspection on 12 and 13 November 2025. Serious and widespread concerns were identified during an assurance inspection on 4 March 2026. Ofsted issued 2 compliance notices under Regulations 11 and 13. A monitoring visit was carried out on 21 April 2026. The inspector found that leaders and managers had met the actions set out in the compliance notices. Inspection report for children’s home: SC476326 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/11/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 04/05/2022 Full Inadequate 23/03/2022 Interim Declined in effectiveness 23/06/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home: SC476326 3

p.2

Summary of findings

Children are making progress and experiencing greater stability. Clear routines and boundaries are in place, helping children to understand what is expected of them. As a result, incidents of concern have reduced, and children are becoming more settled and feeling secure in the home.

p.3

Summary of findings

Monitoring and oversight of the home are effective. The manager has a strong commitment to the home. They have high expectations for staff to improve the lives of children. Since being in post, they have implemented positive changes and initiatives that have increased stability for children and staff.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are welcomed into the home with warmth and sensitivity. Staff work closely with professionals to plan and prepare for children’s moves, helping to reduce anxiety and promote stability. One child has moved into the home; staff and children already living in the home wrote welcome letters, and children were supported to prepare for changes in the home. As a result, the child experienced a positive, child-centred move and settled in well.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are making progress from their individual starting points. They are developing positive relationships with staff and peers, engaging well in education and becoming settled in the home. Children are growing in confidence, expressing their views more openly and developing skills to help them manage their emotions and behaviour. Staff are proud of the children’s achievements and celebrate their successes. As a result, children are experiencing positive outcomes and increased stability in their lives.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s views are regularly sought through meaningful conversations, which are recorded as ‘children’s chats’. Staff take a sensitive and supportive approach, providing reassurance when discussing difficult or sensitive topics. They also encourage children to recognise and say positive things about one another, helping to promote positive relationships and a sense of belonging in the home. As a result, children feel listened to, valued and supported to develop respectful relationships with their peers.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities and interests of their choice. Staff enjoy seeing the children thrive as they encounter new experiences, such as visiting the beach for the first time and going to theme parks with their peers and staff. As a result, children broaden their experiences, develop new interests and enjoy opportunities that enrich their childhood.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to maintain relationships with the people who are important to them. Staff actively support family time by facilitating transport arrangements and working closely with families and relevant professionals. When face-to-face time is not Inspection report for children’s home: SC476326 4 possible, staff help children stay connected through regular telephone calls. This child- centred approach helps children maintain meaningful connections and promotes their emotional wellbeing and sense of identity.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children live in a warm, welcoming and nurturing home. Photos displayed throughout the home celebrate children’s achievements, experiences and relationships, and their bedrooms are personalised to reflect their individuality. However, a playroom was inaccessible to children at the time of the inspection. Consequently, children do not have access to all areas of their home, which limits opportunities for play, independence and choice.

p.4

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

Children are protected from harm. Risk assessments are thorough and consider relevant history and more recent events. Children are starting to contribute to the development of their plans and identify the strategies and support that work best for them. As a result, staff have a good understanding of the approaches children prefer in different situations, enabling them to provide tailored and effective support.

p.4

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

Staff benefit from clinical support and guidance, which strengthens their practice and deepens their understanding of children’s behaviours and the underlying factors influencing them. This input enhances staff’s understanding and strengthens their relationship with the children. As a result, children receive informed, therapeutic and consistent care from adults who know them well and understand how best to support them.

p.4

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

Staff have implemented clear routines and boundaries for children. Children understand what is expected of them. Reassurance and guidance provided by staff give children stability and reduce their anxiety. As a result, there has been a reduction in incidents in the home.

p.4

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

Allegations made by children are managed in line with statutory guidance and are shared appropriately with safeguarding partners. Children are supported throughout the process and kept informed of the outcome. As a result, children feel listened to and reassured that their concerns are taken seriously, which promotes their sense of safety and wellbeing.

p.4

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

Staff use physical intervention as a last resort. When it is used, it is necessary and proportionate, and children’s views and feelings about being held are explored. However, on one occasion, a staff member directly involved in the intervention carried out the follow-up discussion with the child. This may limit opportunities for children to openly express their views and experiences following interventions. The manager is aware of this shortfall and has taken action to ensure that future debriefs are carried out by an independent member of staff. Inspection report for children’s home: SC476326 5

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager demonstrates a strong understanding of the home’s strengths and areas for development. She has already embedded a child-focused ethos in the staff team, modelling positive practice and leading by example. The manager is highly motivated to ensure that children experience meaningful and memorable childhoods. As a result, children benefit from a nurturing environment where their individual needs, experiences and achievements are valued and promoted.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision that enables them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children. They are encouraged to share ideas and contribute to service development, while senior staff are supported to develop their skills and confidence. This promotes a positive learning culture and helps improve the care and support children receive.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Feedback from professionals is positive. One professional said that staff had supported a child to settle in well and make good progress since moving into the home. They highlighted that the child feels safe and comfortable, is able to share concerns with staff, and receives support that is tailored to their individual needs. This reflects the positive relationships children have with staff and the child-centred care they receive.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff say that they enjoy working at the home and feel well supported by leaders and managers. Although there are staff vacancies, recruitment is ongoing, and staffing arrangements remain effective. Staff work additional shifts where necessary to maintain appropriate staffing levels and provide continuity of care for children. As a result, children continue to receive consistent care and support from familiar adults who know them well and understand their individual needs. Inspection report for children’s home: SC476326 6

p.5

Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that children have access to all shared areas of the home. If access is limited, the rationale should be recorded and kept under review. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.10)

p.6

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: SC476326 7

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Ltd

p.7

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 4th Floor, Park View, 82 Oxford Road, Uxbridge UB8 1UX

p.7

Inspectors

Julia Tompson, Social Care Inspector Salma Ahmed, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC476326 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.

p.7

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 .

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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