Children's Home run by Alfa Care and Protection Limited in West Northamptonshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2835073 1 Registered provider: Alfa Care and Protection 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 is privately owned. It is registered to provide care for up to two children with emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There was one child living at the home at the time of the inspection. The child contributed to the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager position has been vacant since 07 July 2025. The provider has appointed a manager and their application to register is in progress.

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Inspection date: 1 September 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 1 September 2026

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2835073 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

There have been many changes since the last inspection on the 20 April 2026. A new home manager has been appointed and has applied to become registered with Ofsted. The manager has worked closely with the responsible individual. Together, they have ensured that the requirements and recommendations from the previous inspection have been met. They speak very positively about the child and recent changes in their life and the progress made by the child.

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Findings from the inspection

All Records are now kept more securely on an electronic database system. This ensures easier access for staff to help them provide the child with the care and support they need.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has made recent progress in many areas of their life. This includes in education, independence and building relationships. Improvements have been made to the home. Repairs have been completed and a more homely environment created. The gardens have been cleared. Bathrooms have been updated and broken furniture replaced.

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Findings from the inspection

The care plan for the child has not been recently reviewed and updated. Therefore, it does not reflect the significant progress of the child. As a result, staff are not guided through changes to the child’s care.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has been proactive in helping the child back into learning. This is following a large time without formal education. This has included working with other professionals to create an education, health and care plan. Also, arranging an alternative education provision for the new term.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand risks to the child. There is a comprehensive assessment of known and potential risks. This includes the measures in place to mitigate the risks.

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Findings from the inspection

Any unwanted behaviours of the child are managed well by staff. This is through de- escalation and positive relationships. Physical intervention is rare and only used as a last resort to keep the child safe. Records are clearly written and management oversight added.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has occasionally gone missing from the home or whilst out in the community. There is a missing from care plan in place. This includes actions for staff, such as immediately following the child. There is a Philomena Protocol for when police support is required. The child is welcomed and supported on their return. Medical attention is gained if required. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2835073 3 Any allegations made by the child are responded to thoroughly by the manager. Safeguarding professionals are involved appropriately. Records are detailed and the manager ensures that the child’s voice is listened to.

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Findings from the inspection

Harmful behaviours are occasionally used by the child. Staff response is timely and appropriate. Medical support and checks are accessed. The child is also supported by monthly visits from an advocate. They have a long-lasting relationship with the child and know them well.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff training has improved. Several staff members are now completing their diploma qualifications. Also, additional training has been arranged. Topics include behaviour management and therapeutic support.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has ensured that staff receive regular one-to-one supervisions. These are good meetings that address the needs and progress of the child. Also, the wellbeing and practice of staff. Regular team meetings take place for further staff development. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2835073 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

20/04/2026 Full Requires improvement to be good 20/01/2026 Full Requires improvement to be good 23/09/2025 Full Inadequate Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2835073 5

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

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

If the registered provider appoints a person to manage the home, the registered provider must, without delay, give HMCI notice of—

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Requirement Due date

the name of the person so appointed; and

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Requirement Due date

the date on which the appointment takes effect.

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

In particular, this refers to there being no registered manager in position since July 2025. 31 October 2026

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Requirement Due date

The care planning standard is that children—

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Requirement Due date

receive effectively planned care in or through the children’s home; and

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Requirement Due date

have a positive experience of arriving at or moving on from the home.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure— 31 October 2026 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2835073 6 that each child’s relevant plans are followed. (Regulation 14 (1)(a)(b) (2)(c))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, this refers to the manager ensuring that that the care plan is kept up to date with the child’s changing needs. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2835073 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Alfa Care and Protection Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Flat 60, Newall Court, Bronze Walk, London W12 7HX

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Inspector

Shaun Caplis, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2835073 8 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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