Children's Home run by United Children's Services Limited in Leicestershire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC489970 1 SC489970

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Registered provider: United Children’s Services Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is operated by a private organisation. It provides care for up to 4 children with emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 3 children were living in the home; 2 children were spoken to.

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Inspection date: 15 September 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 15 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: SC489970 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

Children have lived in the home for extended periods, reflecting the provider’s ability to provide continuity of care for children. At the time of the inspection, one child had lived at the home for 4 years before recently moving as part of a planned transition. The child with the shortest stay has lived in the home for over a year.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have experienced some instability within the staff team. Managers have taken effective action to build a more stable workforce and improve the culture in the home. As a result, children have established positive relationships with staff and have been able to identify trusted adults they would turn to for support and guidance or to discuss any concerns.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, one child has moved from the home. This was a well- planned transition that helped ensure continuity of care for the child. Staff have maintained contact with the child following their move, and the home’s therapist continues to provide therapeutic support through visits to the child in their new home.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have developed positive, trusting relationships with staff. They actively seek out staff to spend time with them and share important aspects of their lives. For example, one child contacted the manager to share news of a significant personal success. Staff respond to children with warmth, encouragement and genuine pride in their achievements. Children speak positively about their experiences of living in the home and say it is a nice place to live.

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Findings from the inspection

The home environment has improved, and children now benefit from 2 additional dedicated spaces for education and therapeutic work. Both rooms have been thoughtfully developed, with careful attention to detail, to ensure that they are welcoming and fit for purpose. Children have contributed to the design and development of both spaces, helping to create environments that reflect their needs and preferences. This sense of ownership encourages children to make positive use of these spaces.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s bedrooms are personalised to reflect their individual interests and preferences. One bedroom had a noticeable odour, which detracted from the quality of the child’s living environment. The manager has taken action to address this and has implemented a cleaning rota to help children maintain their bedrooms and to encourage responsibility for their living spaces.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager and staff have a clear understanding of children’s needs and risks. Risk assessments are updated regularly and following any incidents. Effective monitoring systems enable managers to review events as they occur. Incidents are analysed to Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC489970 3 identify emerging themes and patterns. When patterns are identified, care strategies are adjusted to better meet children’s needs and reduce risk. This approach has contributed to a reduction in incidents over time. Monitoring also captures lessons learned from incidents, which are reviewed by the registered manager and responsible individual, with input from the home’s therapist where appropriate.

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Findings from the inspection

Feedback from professionals is positive. The social worker for one child highlighted that incidents involving risk had reduced and described staff as ‘strong advocates’ for the child. Another professional praised the staff team’s commitment to children, stating that they ‘always go the extra mile’.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has ensured that staff have completed training relevant to the specific needs of the children living in the home. Opportunities for reflective learning are embedded in team meetings, where staff engage in practice-based discussions to develop their skills and understanding. The home’s therapist contributes to staff development, and there is a plan in place for them to deliver further training to the team. Staff value the support they receive from managers. One staff member said that they feel well supported in their role and was positive about the training opportunities available to them.

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Findings from the inspection

When serious incidents have occurred, the manager has ensured that notifications have been made to Ofsted in accordance with regulatory requirements. This ensures appropriate external oversight.

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Findings from the inspection

Safe recruitment practices are in place, and all required checks are completed before new staff commence employment. This ensures that children living in this home are cared for by suitable adults.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have met the requirements and recommendations raised at the previous inspection. One recommendation has been made at this inspection to strengthen practice and support continuous improvement. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC489970 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/04/2026 Full Requires improvement to be good 08/04/2025 Full Good 25/06/2024 Full Good 21/11/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC489970 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the home is a nurturing and supportive environment that meet the needs of their children. It should be a homely, domestic environment that complies with relevant health and safety legislation. In particular, the registered manager should ensure that any persistent odours in children’s bedrooms are promptly investigated and addressed so that children enjoy a comfortable, homely living environment. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC489970 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: United Children’s Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit J, The Quays, Burton Waters, Lincoln LN1 2XG

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Inspector

Sarah Tilbury, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC489970 7 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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