Children's home run by The Governing Body of Woodlands School in Plymouth

This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken following two recent inadequate inspections that have resulted in two compliance notices being issued to this service. The purpose of the visit was to assess if compliance with the notices had been met and to ensure progress is being made. The visit confirmed that compliance has been met.

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This monitoring visit

The Registered Individual has maintained a focus on the shortfalls identified at the last two inspections, the action plan she has put in place continues to be central to this service moving forward. The staff are aware of the action plan and what needs to be achieved. The plan is reviewed on a regular basis and the whole staff group are motivated to achieve the changes required.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last full inspection the Registered Individual made a decision to close this service short term in an attempt to address some of the practice shortfalls. As a result staff have received a robust training programme that focuses on safeguarding children and young people. Staff have been supported to understand legislation and policies. They are now clear about expectations on them. This learning is yet to be tested in practice.

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This monitoring visit

The manager who has been effectively supporting this home has made a decision to commit to the service longer term. He has been appointed as the head of care and will start working at the home full time in the near future. This will add certainty and stability to the home and the progress he has already made can be built upon.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have started to robustly address the poor practice identified at the previous inspections with individual staff. Referrals have been made to external agencies where practice has been unacceptable. These processes continue to move forward.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have worked hard to ensure that compliance has been met. There is evidence that shows on one occasion staff were able to identify and respond to concerns for a young people. This remains work in progress and robust management oversight is still required to ensure that children and young people have their welfare fully protected. One member of staff stated to the inspector that they feel empowered and supported to pass concerning information on. This has resulted in an appropriate response to the concerns identified for one young person.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have provided staff with time to reflect on their previous practice and consolidate their learning. Team meetings are now taking place on a regular basis and the content is meaningful. There is transparency in practice that did not exist prior to the home closing. Staff state that this approach to practice makes them feel safe and supported. One member of staff stated that they felt like they could ask questions now if they didn’t know and that they understood the importance of this. As a result a learning culture is emerging and the team are motivated to question their practice and continue improving.

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Information about this children's home

 The home has recently changed its registration from short breaks to a Children’s Home to reflect the service provided.

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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

12: The protection of children standard 31/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard 31/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard 31/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

14: The care planning standard 31/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

19: Behaviour management and discipline 31/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

34: Policies for the protection of children 22/02/2016

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Requirement Due date

44: Independent person: visits and reports 22/02/2016 {an asterisk is added in the table above where Compliance = 'Y'} * These requirements are subject to statutory requirement notice.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the home since their last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. 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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