A children's home in Knowsley has been rated inadequate by Ofsted after inspectors found serious and widespread failures that mean children are not protected. The home, run by Rencare Homes Ltd and not named in the report, provides care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties.
Ofsted Inspection Findings
Registered with Ofsted in 2025, the home was rated good in August but has now been downgraded to inadequate in all areas. Currently, two children live there, one of whom spoke to the inspector. The other was in bed for the entire inspection, preventing communication.
Ofsted identified significant shortfalls in safeguarding practice and leadership, impacting children's progress and safety. Changes in management since the last inspection have reduced the manager's autonomy, with directors making decisions. This has led to children moving in without complete information and missing documentation.
Serious Incidents and Safety Concerns
Since the last inspection, serious incidents have increased, including children going missing at night and self-injurious behavior. Some incidents were not reported according to regulations. Daily routines are poor, with one child frequently gaming into early hours, affecting school attendance.
Staff allow pets but did not know one child's pet's name, showing lack of interest. Both children use e-cigarettes, but the home has not educated one on smoking risks. One child reported no trusted relationships and lack of educational support.
Family Contact and Living Conditions
Support for maintaining important relationships is inconsistent, relying on public transport and social workers for family visits. A social worker noted the home never transported a child to see family. While a broken window restrictor was quickly fixed, children's rooms were not maintained, with one keeping belongings in bags and another with clothes on the floor.
Risk management plans fail to consider previous and current dangers, and agency night staff did not always follow risk assessments. A child with known suicidal ideation lacked a ligature point risk assessment. Responses to missing children are inconsistent, relying on police, and mental health concerns after a night-time disappearance were not immediately addressed.
Staffing and Leadership
There is no consistent staff team, with only one member remaining from the last inspection. The manager is working to address instability, but it has hindered children building secure relationships. Shortfalls include lack of professional curiosity and ability to challenge other professionals for missing documents.
However, action was taken when staff accessed security footage on personal devices. Rencare Homes Ltd was approached for comment. The full Ofsted report is available online.
