Accountable. Transparent. Regulated.
New Beginnings Children’s Care is committed to full registration and inspection by Ofsted under the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF). Where registration is pending (see notice below), the service operates in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework in preparation for registration. Every aspect of our provision is designed to meet or exceed the Quality Standards set out in Schedule 1 of those Regulations.
This page sets out how we deliver on each of our regulatory obligations — not as a tick-box exercise, but as an expression of our genuine commitment to the children and young people in our care.
- Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 — SI 2015/541
- Quality Standards for Children’s Homes — Schedule 1 of the Regulations
- Children Act 1989 & 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 (contextual guidance)
- Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010
- Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF)
The Nine Quality Standards
Ofsted assesses every children’s home against nine Quality Standards. Below is how we meet each one in practice.
The Quality and Purpose of Care Standard
Our statement of purpose clearly defines the children we care for, our ethos, and our intended outcomes. Every placement is matched carefully to ensure we can meet each child’s individual needs. Our Registered Manager ensures care is delivered consistently against our statement of purpose.
The Children’s Views, Wishes and Feelings Standard
Children are encouraged and supported to express their views at every stage of their care. Regular keyworker sessions, children’s meetings and individual reviews give young people a meaningful voice. Advocacy support is available to every child in our homes.
The Education Standard
We work closely with schools, Virtual School Heads and local authorities to ensure every young person has a suitable educational placement. Personal Education Plans are maintained and reviewed. We provide in-house support for homework, literacy and numeracy where needed.
The Enjoyment and Achievement Standard
We actively support children to pursue hobbies, sports, cultural activities and community connections. Leisure budgets are allocated per child. Staff celebrate achievements — however small — and maintain a culture where ambition and pride in oneself are nurtured daily.
The Health and Well-being Standard
Health assessments are completed promptly on admission and kept up to date. We maintain close relationships with GPs, CAMHS, dentists and opticians. Staff receive training in first aid, medication administration, and trauma-informed care to support children’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
The Positive Relationships Standard
We encourage and facilitate relationships with family members, friends and other important people in a child’s life, provided it is safe to do so. Contact arrangements are agreed with placing authorities and reviewed regularly. Our staff model positive, boundaries-aware relationships at all times.
The Protection of Children Standard
Robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and reviewed annually. All staff complete mandatory safeguarding training before starting work. We follow Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) protocols and report all concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding lead and, where required, to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
The Leadership and Management Standard
Our Registered Manager holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent). The Responsible Individual provides strategic oversight and governance. Staff supervision, appraisal, and continuous professional development are embedded in our culture.
The Care Planning Standard
Every child has an individual care plan developed with the placing authority, reflecting their assessed needs, wishes and placement goals. Plans are reviewed at statutory timescales and updated promptly following any significant events. Children are involved in their own care planning wherever possible.
Safeguarding Children & Young People
Safeguarding is not a policy — it is the culture of everything we do. We operate under a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect and exploitation. Every staff member is trained, empowered and expected to raise concerns without hesitation.
Safeguarding Training
All staff complete Level 1 and Level 2 safeguarding training before working with young people. Refresher training is completed every two years or following any significant safeguarding event.
Risk Assessments
Individual risk assessments are completed for every young person on admission and reviewed monthly or following any incident. All absences without leave (AWOL) are risk-assessed and referred to police as appropriate.
Multi-Agency Working
We work closely with placing Local Authorities, MASH teams, police, CAMHS, Virtual School Heads and Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) to ensure joined-up, child-centred safeguarding.
Child Exploitation (CSE / CCE)
Staff are trained to recognise indicators of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE). We work proactively with police and local safeguarding partnerships to disrupt exploitation networks.
Online Safety
Robust online safety policies govern internet use, social media access and mobile phone use within our homes. Young people receive age-appropriate education on staying safe online.
Incident Recording & Notification
All incidents, allegations and safeguarding concerns are recorded on our case management system and notified to Ofsted within statutory timescales (Regulation 40). We maintain a transparent and open relationship with our regulator.
Safer Recruitment
Protecting children starts before a staff member walks through the door. Our safer recruitment process is thorough, evidence-based and fully compliant with Schedule 2 of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
Enhanced DBS Checks
Every member of staff, volunteer and contractor who has unsupervised access to children undergoes an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with a children’s barred list check. No one commences work in a regulated position until clearance is received.
References & Employment History
We obtain at least two professional references, including the most recent employer. Unexplained gaps in employment history are explored at interview. We contact referees directly and do not accept open or undated references.
Right to Work & Identity
Original documents are verified in person to confirm identity and the right to work in the UK in accordance with Home Office guidance. Copies are retained securely on the personnel file.
Qualifications & Registration
Certificates for all relevant qualifications are verified. Roles requiring professional registration (e.g. social workers, nurses) are checked against the relevant professional body register (Social Work England, NMC).
Safer Recruitment Interviews
All interview panels include at least one safer recruitment-trained interviewer. Values-based and competency-based questions are used to assess candidates’ suitability to work with vulnerable children. Panels are diverse wherever practicable.
Single Central Record (SCR)
We maintain a Single Central Record of all pre-employment checks for every member of staff. The SCR is reviewed by the Responsible Individual regularly and is made available to Ofsted Inspectors on request.
Regulation 44 & Regulation 45
Two of the most important oversight mechanisms in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 are the independent visitor report (Regulation 44) and the responsible individual’s report (Regulation 45).
Independent Visitor Monthly Report
Regulation 44, Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
An Independent Person — who has no direct connection to New Beginnings — visits each of our homes at least once every month. This visit is unannounced approximately once every three months.
During the visit, the independent person:
- Inspects the home’s policies, records and documentation
- Speaks privately with children living in the home (with their consent)
- Speaks with staff members and, where possible, their families
- Reviews any concerns, complaints or incidents since the previous visit
- Assesses whether the home is being conducted in accordance with the Regulations and Quality Standards
Following each visit, the independent person produces a written report identifying any concerns and making recommendations. This report is shared with the Registered Manager and the Responsible Individual and must be acted upon promptly.
Responsible Individual’s Report
Regulation 45, Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
The Responsible Individual (RI) must prepare a written report on the conduct of the home at least once every six months. This report demonstrates that the RI has actively monitored the home and reviewed its performance against the Quality Standards.
The Regulation 45 report covers:
- Outcomes achieved for children and young people in the home
- Findings from all Regulation 44 independent visitor reports in the period
- Any complaints received and how they were resolved
- Notifications made to Ofsted (Regulation 40)
- Staffing levels, supervision records and training completed
- Review of the home’s Statement of Purpose for continued accuracy
- Any actions taken or planned to improve the quality of care
The report is submitted to Ofsted within 28 days of the end of each six-month period and is signed by the Responsible Individual.
Complaints Procedure
We take every complaint seriously. A robust complaints process ensures that concerns are heard, investigated fairly and resolved promptly — and that we learn from them to improve our care.
Informal Resolution
In the first instance, we encourage anyone with a concern — a child, parent, placing authority or member of the public — to raise it directly with the Registered Manager. Many concerns can be resolved quickly and informally at this stage.
Formal Complaint (Stage 1)
If the concern is not resolved informally, a formal written complaint may be submitted. The Registered Manager will acknowledge the complaint within 2 working days and aim to provide a full written response within 10 working days. Where a longer investigation is needed, the complainant will be kept informed.
Escalation (Stage 2)
If you are not satisfied with the Stage 1 response, you may escalate the complaint to the Responsible Individual, who will carry out an independent review. A written response will be provided within 20 working days.
External Escalation
If you remain dissatisfied after the internal process has been exhausted, you may refer your complaint to Ofsted, the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman, or — in safeguarding matters — to the placing Local Authority or the LADO. Contact details are provided below.
Submit a Complaint
Write to us at complaints@newbeginnings.org.uk or post to our registered address.
Ofsted
Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD
0300 123 1231
gov.uk/complain-ofsted
LG & Social Care Ombudsman
PO Box 4771, Coventry, CV4 0EH
0300 061 0614
lgo.org.uk
NSPCC Helpline
If you have concerns about a child’s immediate safety:
0800 028 0285
Available 24 hours a day.
Our complete complaints policy, including timescales, the role of the independent person, and records retention, is available on request or as a download below.