Children's home in Camden

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The last inspection report identified four areas for improvement. These areas relate to the health and safety, the records on staff recruitment files and children’s files, and the monitoring of the service. The Good overall judgement was the result of very strong outcomes for children and the positive changes that the registered manager had started to make as she returned from extended leave.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered persons have taken all four requirements seriously. Appropriate actions were taken to secure and maintain compliance with legislation and good practice. The improved records clearly evidence that children receive a safer, better recorded and more thoroughly monitored service.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The health and safety in the home is now more tightly managed. In November 2015, the company’s health and safety department carried out a full audit of the premises and reviewed the risk management plan. Qualified contractors and the home’s staff carry out regular health and safety checks. They make sure that the hazard-control measures remain effective at minimising any risks and securing a safe physical environment. The more robust implementation of an up-to-date risk management plan makes everybody on the premises safer.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff recruitment records now evidence a more thorough vetting process. The records of comprehensive staff recruitment checks are available on the files. Formal audits ensure that full and satisfactory information is available for each staff member. More stringent staff recruitment process contribute to more robust protection of children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Both internal and external monitoring of the service has improved. The manager has audited children’s files. The up-to-date records now more fully demonstrate the excellent quality of care that children receive. They clearly show how staff work in close partnership with the children, their parents and other professionals involved in their lives to provide consistent support and collaborative care. The children’s files also evidence the excellent children’s experiences and the good progress that they have continued to make across different aspects of their welfare and development.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No significant incidents have occurred at the home. The safeguarding procedures and practice are effective at promoting children’s wellbeing and development. The manager appropriately shares information and works closely with the social services, health professionals and teachers to proactively safeguard children’s outcomes, not only while they are on a short-break but also, in a wider context of their lives.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Independent visitors have carried out regular monthly visits to monitor and quality assure the quality of the service and children’s outcomes, on behalf of the company.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and staff are keen to continue to move the service forward. They have used their own monitoring and review systems effectively to promote best practice. They have taken any advice, comments or expressions of dissatisfaction seriously and positively. They have taken effective steps to secure a better service, following the last inspection in which safeguarding and leadership and management were judged as requiring improvement. They have achieved improved effectiveness.

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Information about this children's home

This charity owned home provides short breaks and sleepover services for up to 12 children. Children may have a visual impairment and additional profound and complex physical and learning disabilities and sensory needs. The home is located within a non-maintained special school. It is open Monday to Thursday term-time and throughout holidays. The service is accessible to additional children, not just those attending this school.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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