Swanwick Lodge

Assurance inspection report for secure children's home: SC038719 1 Swanwick Lodge Registered provider: Hampshire County Council

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Glen Road, Swanwick, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 7HD

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this secure children’s home

This home is managed by a local authority. It is approved by the Secretary of State to restrict children’s liberty.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home can accommodate up to 10 children who are aged between 10 and 17. At the time of the inspection, 5 children were living at the home. Four children contributed to the inspection.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home cares for children placed by local authorities under section 25 of the Children Act 1989. Admission of any child under section 25 of the Children Act 1989 who is under 13 years of age requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The commissioning of health services in this home is the statutory responsibility of NHS England under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Education is provided on site in dedicated facilities.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The manager of the home has been registered with Ofsted since March 2022.

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Inspection date: 15 September 2026

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Assurance inspection report for secure children's home: SC038719 2

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have 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 secure children's home: SC038719 3

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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

Children are treated with respect and speak positively about the care that they receive. They value the range of activities available, which support their interests and help them build social connections. The home environment is calm and welcoming, and children enjoy spending time together in communal areas. Staff encourage group activities, which promotes positive group living and contributes to an inclusive, supportive home environment.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have positive and meaningful relationships with staff. Staff spend time getting to know children and develop an understanding of their individual needs. Children can identify staff that they trust and would speak to when feeling upset. Staff interactions with children are playful and kind. This helps to strengthen relationships and help children feel valued.

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Findings from the inspection

Children know how to make a complaint and are listened to. Creative strategies, such as the use of ‘worry monsters’, help reassure children and enable them to express concerns in a safe and accessible way. Complaints are investigated appropriately and children receive clear feedback about the outcomes. The child-friendly process supports children to raise issues confidently and understand how decisions have been reached.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s individual risk assessments are dynamic in nature and are reviewed and updated regularly. Staff use de-escalation skills and humour to support children to feel safe, which helps them to mitigate escalation in children’s behaviour. This reduces risk of harm to the children and others.

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Findings from the inspection

When required, physical restraint is used appropriately. Learning from incidents is robust. Records provide a clear overview which demonstrates that there is a clear rationale for intervention and identifies any areas for development. This learning culture ensures that practice continues to evolve to help and support children.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have developed a system for consequences to ensure these are used consistently. Staff consulted children as part of the changes to ensure their views are understood and considered. This drives continual improvement and helps to influence positive behaviours. Children feel more motivated and enjoy reviewing weekly visual reports with staff. This supports children to understand and recognise their ongoing progress.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers are committed to strengthening equality, diversity and inclusion in the home, having sought external consultation and introduced a chaplaincy service. Assurance inspection report for secure children's home: SC038719 4 While such initiatives are at an early stage and not yet embedded, a clear action plan is in place to monitor progress and drive sustained improvement.

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Findings from the inspection

Effective management systems are in place. Children’s records are of a good standard and clearly reflect the nurturing care provided. Regular audits ensure that plans remain dynamic and responsive to children’s changing needs. This supports children’s progress and helps them achieve their goals for the future.

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Findings from the inspection

Three requirements and 2 recommendations were raised following the home’s last inspection. Two requirements have been met. One requirement remains, as it was not considered during this inspection. One recommendation was met and one is restated. This will be reviewed at the home’s next inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/04/2026 Full Good 01/07/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 30/04/2024 Full Outstanding 25/04/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for secure children's home: SC038719 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person 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 must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The education standard is that children make measurable progress towards achieving their educational potential and are helped to do so.

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

help each child to achieve the child’s education and training targets, as recorded in the child’s relevant plans;

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Requirement Due date

help each child to understand the importance and value of education, learning, training and employment;

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Requirement Due date

help each child who is above compulsory school age to participate in further education, training or employment and to prepare for future care, education or employment;

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Requirement Due date

help each child to attend education or training in accordance with the expectations in the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 8 (1) (2)(a)(i)(iv)(ix)(x)) 24 August 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure children are able to maintain and develop their cultural or religious beliefs as far as practicable and where appropriate. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 17, paragraph 3.22) Assurance inspection report for secure children's home: SC038719 6

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider: Hampshire County Council

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider address: Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UG

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Inspectors

Thirza Smith, Social Care Inspector Latoya Morgan, Social Care Inspector Matilda Clode, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for secure children's home: SC038719 7 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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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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