Children's Home run by Phoenix Learning & Care Holdings Limited in Devon

Unique reference number SC463431 Inspector Guy Mammatt Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Phoenix Learning and Care Limited Registered person address Phoenix Learning & Care Ltd Rolle Quay BARNSTAPLE Devon EX31 1JE Responsible individual Mark Ian Parker Registered manager Lynda Margaret Waller Date of last inspection 04/12/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 13/03/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection None

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This inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

There were no requirements and two recommendations made at the previous inspection. The manager and staff provide good quality support to the young people, which has addressed the two recommendations. The young people have not made significant progress during this time. However, they do continue to make improved decisions about their personal safety compared to their experiences prior to living at the home.

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This inspection

The staff provide good levels of support to help the young people with their preparation for independent living and understanding of their own health needs. As a result, young people routinely shop and cook for themselves, as well as learn about applying for work, benefits and how to conduct themselves at an interview. The young people are responsible for their own health needs and demonstrate that they can arrange and attend medical appointments by themselves. The young people make some good choices about their health. They do not misuse drugs or alcohol and they have reduced their smoking through the use of an electronic cigarette.

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This inspection

The young people are above compulsory school age. They have completed a Young Devon education training course in January, which was designed to improve their skills for gaining work and also to take part in work experience opportunities. The staff source further training opportunities for the young people and help them to look for suitable work. However, the young people have refused to start another course or gain employment. This does not ensure that they are going to reach their academic potential or achieve economic well-being while they are still living at the home.

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This inspection

The manager and staff have a strong relationship with the young people and a good understanding of their needs. Consequently, there have been no significant incidents 3 of 5 which have required the use of physical intervention or sanctions. The manager states that the best way to deal with a situation ‘is to sit around the table and talk about it.’ The young people respond well to this approach and feel included in everything that goes on in the home.

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This inspection

The staff support the young people’s relationship with their family and their partner. The young people benefit from frequent contact with the people who are important to them. The staff also involve the significant individuals in the young people’s lives in discussions about their future together. Therefore, young people receive support which helps them prepare for leaving care.

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This inspection

There has been one reported occasion of the young people going missing from the home. The young people remained in contact with the staff during this time and they did not raise any concerns about their welfare upon their return. The staff help to keep the young people safe during their agreed unsupervised time, by talking to them about their own safety and escorting them to their friend’s houses.

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This inspection

The manager ensures that all significant events for the protection of young people are notified to the relevant authorities. The monitoring of the home takes place at the required intervals, which provides a regular review of the quality of care and the young people’s experience. The home is furnished and decorated to a good standard and as a result the young people live in a comfortable and homely environment.

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This inspection

The manager carries out regular professional supervision of the staff, as well as conducting their annual appraisals. This ensures that the staff are guided and supported to fulfil their role properly. The manager and senior managers have dealt promptly with the one complaint received into the home since the previous inspection. As such, leaders and managers have ensured good relations with the local community and to avoid the young people being unnecessarily persecuted. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care and accommodation for one young person of either gender. The home is operated by a private company.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/12/2014 Full good 30/10/2013 Full good

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure that where children no longer receive compulsory full time education, where appropriate the home supports them to participate in further education, training or employment. (NMS 8.9) Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Recommendations

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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