Children's home SC434100

Inspector Barnaby Dowell

This monitoring visit was required to assess the registered provider’s compliance with a notice restricting accommodation. The visit also reviewed the setting’s compliance with safeguarding procedures: in particular, regulation 19 (behaviour management and discipline) and regulation 40 (notifications) of the Children’s Homes Regulations (England) 2015. The accommodation at this home was restricted under section 22b of the Care Standards Act 2000. The compliance notice was imposed on 5 April 2016. The notice required the registered provider not to accept any new admissions. This visit confirmed that the provider has complied with the notice. There have been no new admissions to the home. The young person placed at the home at the time of the notice issue being served continues to live there. The restriction of accommodation notice was issued following an alleged incident of inappropriate behaviour management practice used by staff in an incident

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Inspector Barnaby Dowell

involving a young person. In essence, poor restraint practice was applied. In addition, there were some concerns about the timeliness of the notification of this event to Ofsted. The members of staff who were involved in the alleged incident, remain suspended. None of them has worked in the home since their suspension. The police have yet to conclude their enquiries. Therefore, there is currently no outcome to determine whether the allegation occurred as disclosed by the young person. There is some uncertainty as to why the incident in question was not notified to Ofsted within the timescales required. The manager maintains that the management team were unaware of the allegation until the placing authority informed them some days after the alleged incident occurred. The young person had disclosed the alleged poor practice while they were staying with their family. The manager stated that once the home was aware of the allegation the matter

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Inspector Barnaby Dowell

was reported swiftly and that the members of staff concerned were suspended. Staff continue to support the young person. The young person’s engagement in the home is varied. There have been occasions when they have run away from care and been involved in criminal activities. Staff are working with the young person, their family and the placing authority to bring about increased stability. The home does not have a registered manager. The current manager has applied to Ofsted and their application continues to be processed. In conclusion, there are no new admissions to the home. Therefore, the home has complied with the notice to restrict accommodation. There has been no reoccurrence of inappropriate behaviour management practices. Staff display a heightened awareness of appropriate behaviour management procedures. The young person concerned remains living at the home. However, police continue to investigate allegations made against staff. Therefore, there is no confirmation that

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Inspector Barnaby Dowell

staff practice was inappropriate or, indeed, criminal. Thus, the notice to restrict accommodation remains.

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Information about this children's home

This privately owned children's home is registered to provide residential placements for up to three children and young people who may have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the notice restricting accommodation and the setting’s compliance with safeguarding procedures, with particular reference to regulation 19 (behaviour management and discipline) and regulation 40 (notifications) of the Children’s Homes Regulations (England) 2015.

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Information about this 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

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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