The children’s home where kids ‘left prematurely because staff couldn’t handle their needs’

A children’s home in Oldham has been told it needs to improve after one youngster ‘had to leave prematurely because staff could not meet their needs’, a government watchdog has said. 

Ofsted inspected the residential setting, run by private firm Begin to Blossom Limited, in November, five months after it first opened. The setting currently cares for two kids, after a third child was moved to a different setting after staff could not ‘safely’ cope with their requirements. 

A report written by inspector Anthony Kyem noted that ‘the child did not have a positive experience of leaving’. 

Kyem also wrote: “Not all staff demonstrated that they have the skills to help de-escalate incidents effectively and professionally. Poor handling of previous incidents created instability and had a negative impact on children living in the home.”

The inspection found that the home ‘is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people’, but also indentified no serious or widespread failures. Kyem rated the home ‘requires improvement to be good’ in all categories, which include the overall experience of young people, how young people are protected, and overall management. 

But the report also notes changes have taken place since the departure of a previous manager in September, with another staff member currently working as deputy manager until they can be officially registered as the new boss. 

A staff member told the inspector: “Since they became the manager, the home has been running much more smoothly. She makes good decisions for both the children and the team.”

For instance, one child who had a history of going missing from settings is now ‘more settled’ and developing good relationships with the staff with ‘less incidents occurring’, the report said. 

The child told the inspector: “I like the staff. I have done loads of activities…It’s eventful and funny.”

Employees are receiving more training under the acting manager, with the inspector Kyem noting support staff are now developing a ‘better understanding of the children’s specific needs and vulnerabilities’.

The inspection also noted that kids benefit from a ‘comfortable, spacious and homely living environment’ with ‘nicely furnished and decorated bedrooms’. 

Begin to Blossom Limited has been approached for comment.