Children's home run by Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited in Thanet

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 Sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Following a serious incident at the home, it has been inactive since September 2015. It has re-opened when a new child was admitted very recently.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Three requirements and three recommendations were made at the previous inspection. Two of the requirements have been met. Internal monitoring reports have been sent to Ofsted in line with regulations. There is sufficient guidance in risk assessments to provide clarity for staff when conducting bedroom checks to ensure consistent practice. The requirement relating to the impact of the quality of care provided on the progress and experience of each child cannot be evaluated at this inspection due to the very short time the child has been in placement. This requirement is therefore repeated.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The recommendation relating to impact risk assessments when a new child is referred for admission cannot be considered as there is only one child in placement at the time of the inspection. This recommendation is repeated. The recommendation relating to self-harm training is repeated. The organisation is planning to train all staff in a comprehensive programme encompassing all aspects of self-harm but this has not yet been implemented. The recommendation relating to records of incidents involving physical intervention cannot be considered as there have been no such incidents since a child has been admitted. This recommendation is repeated.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

During the time the home has been inactive, it has been redecorated and provides a clean, bright and modern environment for children. Children have spacious bedrooms and furnishings are of a high standard.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A new, experienced manager is in post and is applying for registration with Ofsted. The organisation has recruited new staff who are joining experienced staff to make up the staff team to work at the home. All relevant policies and procedures are in place.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The child currently living at the home is settling and responding to the detailed 24 hour management plan which provides staff with comprehensive guidance to ensure he receives consistent care that meets his individual needs. Rigorous and thorough risk assessments identify his specific vulnerabilities and guide staff in protecting him and reducing the potential of harm. Admission procedures are in line with the home’s statement of purpose, which is being revised and forwarded to Ofsted to amend the age range of children who live at the home.

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Information about this children's home

This home is owned by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to nine children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

18/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

04/03/2014 Interim Satisfactory progress

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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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Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard:

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard, the registered person must:

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Requirement Due date

(2)(f) understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home, particularly in regard to compiling a written development plan. 13/05/2016

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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 placements for children are only accepted where the registered person is satisfied that the home can respond effectively to the child's assessed needs as recorded in the child's relevant plans and where they have fully considered the impact that the placement will have on the existing group of children. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 56 paragraph 11.4)

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Recommendations

Ensure that staff have the relevant skills and knowledge to be able to respond to the health needs of children. In particular, ensure staff receive training in relation to self-harm and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 34 paragraph 7.12)

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Recommendations

Ensure that records of restraint enable the registered person and staff to review the use of control, discipline and restraint. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 49, paragraph 9.59)

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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

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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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