Childrens Homes Improvement

We care as much as you do
Opening the door to excellence

Welcome, thanks for taking the time to visit. If you are here that means you are interested in making improvements to your children’s home. Maybe you had a disappointing OFSTED or you want to be more prepared for OFSTED? Perhaps you want to up skill your staff and move them towards excellence? Or a Registered Manager looking to improve yourself, your home and ultimately outcomes for children and young people. Whatever your reason for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit we hope you find something useful to take away.

We provide consultancy to help children's homes improve, ensure effective safeguarding and evidence the provision of high quality care. For homes, organisations and local authorities this can include training, support to improve ahead of or after inspection and provision of Regulation 44 Visitors. Tell us what you need and we will tailor our support to meet your needs.

Our Values
  • We focus on Support to improve outcomes for children and young people
  • We Empower individuals to take responsibility, be open and be honest
  • We Inspire innovations in practice and new ways of thinking
  • We Collaborate to build trusting effective relationships
For more information on what we provide for children’s homes contact us.
Take a look at what people say about us.





Training & Development image
We understand that not every home or every staff group are the same. We offer stand alone or bespoke training and development to meet your specific needs.

It could be you are looking for management supervision or you want some team coaching to improve the development of your home. Or perhaps you want a management development programme for your managers.

Maybe you have requirements or compliance notices from Ofsted around staff training and development.

Or perhaps its been a difficult time at your home and you want to do a team debrief to relieve stress and identify learning.

Examples of recently delivered training include:

Building Positive Relationships - a 1 day course for staff and management to reflect on themselves and how they can build a relationship based culture in their home.

Staff Welfare Debrief and Learning Identification - a 1 day workshop which is aimed as moving staff forward following significant incidents at the home, such as suspension of registration and children have to be moved.

Reflective Supervision Skills - a 1 day course which enables supervisors to provide supervision which meets regulations and aids development.

Effective Investigations - a 1 day course which enables staff who undertake investigations in the context of grievance, disciplinary etc, to gain an understanding of how to prepare, conduct and conclude an investigation.  This course can be moulded to reflect your policies and procedures.

Safeguarding - a 1 day course for staff to gain the safeguarding skills they need to act appropriately and confidently to protect the children they work with. Enabling all staff to understand the key principles in safeguarding, to define and identify risk and have clear understanding what to do with safeguarding concerns.
All our stand alone training can be moulded to suit your needs and we are happy to develop bespoke training and development to move your home to excellence.

All our stand alone training can be moulded to suit your needs and we are happy to develop bespoke training and development to move your home to excellence.

Certificates are provided for all of our training.

Whatever your requirements we are here to help - just drop us a line and we will get right back to you.   contact us
Regulation 44 Visits image
We offer impartial high quality rigorous monthly Regulation 44 visits from a qualified and experienced visitor.

Acting as a critical friend our aim is to keep managers challenged and drive continuous improvement.

Our reports are focused and targeted on outcomes providing a detailed action plan aligned to the Regulations and Standards.

Our Regulation 44 Visitors are fully vetted, experienced and knowledgeable professionals. They have all been trained in conducting thorough and rigorous monthly visits.

If you are committed to the continued improvement of your homes then get in touch and let us see how we can help you. Contact us.

Take a look at what people say about our visits.
Ofsted Preparation  image
Want to feel more prepared for Ofsted visiting your home?

We offer rigorous mock inspections which will enable to you to be more prepared.

Our mock inspections are based on the Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF) which includes The Childrens Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

Mock inspections take place over 1 or 2 days dependent on what your want us to look at.

Following each mock inspection we provide a comprehensive report of our findings with clear recommendations for action.

We are also provide support to homes who are seeking registration with Ofsted.

Contact us now to see how we can support you.

Take a look at what people say about us.
Professional Management Supervision image
Being a Registered Manager, Service Manager or Responsible Individual can be a rewarding but tough job. Often we prioritise others development over our own.  We encourage good reflective supervision for our staff and can neglect our own.

We offer supportive, reflective supervision from a qualified social care professional. Our aim is to provide you with the space to reflect, breath and plan.

Our sessions can take place by phone, Skype or face to face whichever is your preference with written notes for your records and evidence for Ofsted.

If you would like to know more about how we can help you then please get in touch for an informal discussion. Contact us
Independent Investigations  image
Undertaking an investigation can be time consuming and a drain on management capacity.  Outcomes of investigations can be open to challenge especially if the person undertaking the investigation is not seen as impartial or too close to the issue.

We understand the need to ensure investigations are impartial and robust.

Our experienced investigating officers provide the additional capacity or distance you need to investigate any issue. We provide a detailed report with recommendations which is aligned to your policies where required.

Our experience includes:
  • disciplinary
  • grievance
  • whistle blowing
  • incident learning review
Whatever your need then we can help contact us to discuss your requirements. 
Ofsted and the Regulatory Framework
3 min read

Ofsted and the Regulatory Framework

Make sure you fully understand the legal and regulatory framework and further your journey to excellence.

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Keeping Myself Safe Toolkit
1 min read

Keeping Myself Safe Toolkit

This toolkit sets out skills and qualities that practitioners need if they are to help young people to manage risk in their lives.

Read More  
This briefing paper provides an overview of the UK Government’s policies to support care leavers
1 min read

This briefing paper provides an overview of the UK Government’s policies to support care leavers

Gain a better understanding of the policies which support care leavers to ensure you are supporting young people with their transition.

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“Is it sensory or is it behaviour?”
1 min read

“Is it sensory or is it behaviour?”

Occupational Therapists are often asked that question to rule out sensory sensitivities or sensory integration challenges as an underlying cause for a behaviour that can’t be explained.

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Positive environments where children can flourish - Behaviour management and physical intervention
1 min read

Positive environments where children can flourish - Behaviour management and physical intervention

The guidance Ofsted inspectors will use to evaluate how providers, managers and carers create a positive environment where children can live and learn and where staff interact positively with children.

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Registering a multi-building children’s home - Ofsted guidance
1 min read

Registering a multi-building children’s home - Ofsted guidance

Guidance for providers on registering a children’s home with Ofsted when the care and accommodation is provided in more than one building

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Recording in Children’s Social Work guide
1 min read

Recording in Children’s Social Work guide

Created by BASW England the “top-tips” guide identifies how to record in a way which is reflective and children and families focussed. The guide also outlines how social workers can be more succinct in their recording.

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My things matter - support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move
1 min read

My things matter - support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move

Reports on children's experiences of moving when in care. Considers online survey results from children, young people and professionals in England and Wales in 2021. Finds that: 80 per cent of children and young people said their belongings were moved in binbags during their time in care; and that only 1 in 3 local authorities have formal written guidance to help children and young people move successfully.

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 This is Angela’s first visit to the home, as our regulation 44 consultant and immediately, I can see I significant improvement in the level of critique and recommendations within this report. Angela’s insight and attention to detail is going to be of significant benefit to our homes and enable us to further develop our services. 

Responsible Individual - Private Home

 The current independent visitor monitors the progress and well-being of the children effectively. Visits were carried out virtually but have now returned to on-site. The reports are detailed, provide challenge and drive improvement. 

Ofsted Assurance Visit
Private Chidrens Home

 Monthly visits to the home by an independent person have identified improvement areas. These have been actively addressed by the management team and, over time, there has been a clear improvement arc. 

OFSTED Report
Private Children's Home

 I would like to thank our Reg 44 Visitor for the monthly input she has within the home. Her comments, guidance and feedback are proving to be very useful, helpful and resourceful. 

Registered Manager
Private Childrens Home

 A strength of the home is the quality of the independent visitor s report. The pertinent issues are identified with good challenge and accountability of the manager. 

OFSTED Inspection Report
Private Children's Home

 The external monitoring visits have the potential to contribute to improving practice if the managers act on the findings. The visits offer challenge and scrutiny and provide a balanced view of the home. 

OFSTED Report
Private Children's Home

 An independent visitor provides a comprehensive report on the running of the home, identifying the pertinent issues and making clear recommendations to aid compliance with the regulations. 

OFSTED Report
Private Children's Home

 This was my first Regulation 44 visit in and I genuinely found this to be a very useful experience especially as a new manager. 

New Registered Manager
Voluntary Sector Childrens Home

 This report is a balanced record , the Reg 44 visitor maintains her the professional challenge in relation to the management and running of the home. 

Responsible Individual
Private Childrens Home

 'The registered manager appreciates the increasingly effective external monthly monitoring, which she says gives her useful critical challenge to improve.' 

OFSTED Report
Local Authority Children's Home

 It has been refreshing to have an independent person visit the home and support management. Staff on duty felt the inspection has reminded them of their job role and expectations. 

Registered Manager
Local Authority Childrens Home

 The pre-registration support we received played a massive part in our successful registration with Ofsted. 

Provider
Private Childrens Home

 This first Regulation 44 report is a very thorough document that gives clear information about the lived experience of young people alongside our compliance with statutory duties and responsibilities. 

Responsible Individual
Local Authority Childrens Home

 Having independent external supervision has helped me to focus on what I need to achieve both as a manager and with my team. 

Registered Manager
Private Childrens Home

 I found the training thought provoking, it really made me think about how I work with young people and what I am trying to achieve. 

Building Positive Relationship Training Private Childrens Home Residential Support Worker
Private Childrens Home

 What did you enjoy most about this session? Was interactive, thought provoking and made role feel less isolated. Came away from training with lots of reading and ideas. Time passed quickly as was all relevant and useful discussion. Trainer made group feel relaxed and able to be open and honest on areas not confident in. Thank you 

Responsible Individual Training Surrey County Council
Senior Manager

 What did you enjoy most about the session? Improving my knowledge which I will be able to implement within my work and improve practice. 

Private Residential Childrens Home - Birmingham
Deputy Manager

 What did you enjoy most about the session? The facilitator! Plus all the knowledge and experience she brought and how to think about your role from a different angle. 

Responsible Individual Training Surrey County Council
Senior Manager

 Great training and really helpful to develop my pratice. 

Private Residential Childrens Home - Birmingham
Registered Manager

 Thank you I feel well informed 

Private Residential Childrens Home - Birmingham
HR Manager

 Angela, I found my supervision positively challenging this month and I was left reflecting.... We discussed lots of different aspects regarding the trials and tribulations of children’s homes and the issues that we face. I find your insight and experience really useful 

Registered Manager - Childrens Home
Private
  • Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom
  • £72
  •  18/09/2024 09:30 AM
  • Online Event

Introduction Managing staff in children’s homes requires a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and strategic performance management. Creating a positive work environment not only enhances staff well-being but also directly impacts the quality of care provided to children. This course explores effective strategies for positive performance management and fostering a culture of resilience among staff in children’s homes. Course Overview Our interactive 3.5-hour course is specifically tailored for those with management responsibilities in children’s homes. It provides practical tools and insights to help managers create a supportive and resilient work environment, ensuring the best possible care for children. Delivery - The virtual classroom is hosted on Zoom. Participants need access to a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone, a quiet and private space to join from, and to have made sure they can access Zoom. Certificate will be provided.

  • £192
  •  02/08/2024 09:30 AM - 03/08/2024 04:20 AM
  •   Park Regis Birmingham 160 Broad Street, Five Ways, Birmingham

Are you a manager in a children’s home or supported accommodation? Enhance your skills and ensure the highest standards of care with our comprehensive, full-day, face-to-face training on effective investigation procedures. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to conduct thorough and fair investigations. You will gain an understanding of organisational policies and procedures, learn how to determine when an investigation is needed, and establish clear terms of reference. Our training will guide you through drafting an investigation plan, identifying sources of evidence, and effectively communicating with all relevant parties. You will also master the art of conducting investigation meetings, including recording and documenting these sessions and employing effective questioning techniques. Learn how to evaluate evidence critically and draw conclusions based on the balance of probabilities. The course will also cover the structure and content of writing comprehensive investigation reports and making informed recommendations. By the end of this training, you will be more confident in concluding the investigation process, discussing reports, attending hearings, and reviewing policies or procedures. This course not only enhances your professional capabilities but also ensures you can provide the best possible support and care for the young people in your charge. Join us to improve your investigative skills and contribute to a safer, more supportive environment for children and young people. Refreshments and lunch are provided. Certificate will be provided.

The complexity of “love” in children’s social care
2 min read

The complexity of “love” in children’s social care

What does 'love' mean in the context of childrens social care?

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The Role of a Registered Manager in a Children's Home: Challenges and Support Systems
2 min read

The Role of a Registered Manager in a Children's Home: Challenges and Support Systems

It outlines the various support systems that can help registered managers in addressing the specific needs of the children under their care.

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Exercising Professional Curiosity in a Children's Home: A Guide for Registered Managers
1 min read

Exercising Professional Curiosity in a Children's Home: A Guide for Registered Managers

This article provides guidance to registered managers on how to exercise professional curiosity in a children's home.

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The Importance of Positive Performance Management in Registered Children’s Homes
2 min read

The Importance of Positive Performance Management in Registered Children’s Homes

The article explores how positive performance management can create a supportive and nurturing environment for children in registered homes, enhancing their overall experience and development.

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The Importance of Adopting a Coaching Style as a Registered Manager of a Children’s Home
2 min read

The Importance of Adopting a Coaching Style as a Registered Manager of a Children’s Home

Exploring the benefits of coaching as a management approach for registered managers of children's homes.

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Positive Performance Management and Building a Culture of Resilience in Children's Homes
2 min read

Positive Performance Management and Building a Culture of Resilience in Children's Homes

This article explores the impact of positive performance management on creating a culture of resilience in children's homes.

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Opening the door to excellence

We will be in touch with dates and venues as soon as we can.

Many thanks

The CHI Team
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