Children's home run by Crossways Care Ltd in Tewkesbury

Inspection report children’s home: SC443079 1 SC443079 Registered provider: Crossways Care Ltd Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This children’s home was registered in March 2012 to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people of either gender, who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is run by a care company that runs several other children’s homes and a small, specialised school in the area. In 2013, the company was purchased by a larger national organisation, but it retains its local corporate identity.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: Inadequate

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 12 September 2017

p.1

Enforcement action since last inspection:

Three compliance notices and a restriction to accommodate children were made at the last inspection. A monitoring visit took place on 31 October 2017. Senior leaders had complied with the notices and the restriction order was lifted.

p.1

and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged inadequate at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, the home was ‘not judged’.

p.1

and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has not provided accommodation to children since the monitoring visit on 31 October 2017. Inspection report children’s home: SC443079 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

31/10/2017 Monitoring 12/09/2017 Full Inadequate 10/07/2017 Monitoring 23/05/2017 Full Inadequate 15/11/2016 Interim Declined in effectiveness 13/05/2016 Full Good 11/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 21/10/2015 Full Good

p.2

Information about this inspection

At the last full inspection on 12 September 2017, the home was judged as inadequate. Three compliance notices were issued in relation to the leadership and management standard, the quality and purpose of care standard and the protection of children standard. The registered provider was issued with a notice to restrict any further admissions until Ofsted was satisfied that the standards above were met.

p.2

Information about this inspection

A monitoring visit took place on 31 October 2017. As a result of this inspection, Ofsted was satisfied that the home had complied with the three written notices and lifted the restriction of accommodation.

p.2

Information about this inspection

No children have lived in the home during this period. The staff have either been deployed temporarily within the organisation, or continued to support the young person that moved on to independence.

p.2

Information about this inspection

The registered manager has resigned from the role and remains working within another home belonging to the company.

p.2

Information about this inspection

Since the monitoring visit, senior leaders have continued to focus on the action plan that was produced following the last inspection. As a result of this effort, there is evidence of significant improvements in all areas.

p.2

Information about this inspection

Despite concerted efforts by members of the senior management team, recruitment of a permanent manager has been unsuccessful. As a temporary measure, a regional manager, formerly a registered manager, has been identified as a suitable leader and manager of the home. She is qualified and experienced and brings to the home an Inspection report children’s home: SC443079 3 enthusiasm and vigour.

p.2

Information about this inspection

Since accepting this role, the temporary manager has worked very hard to prepare the home in readiness for children.

p.3

Information about this inspection

The home now presents as exceptionally homely. A real effort has been made to ensure that the home is warm, welcoming and safe. Little touches, for example mattress toppers, quality bedding and beds, new toys, books and games, will help children feel valued and respected and bedrooms and communal living areas all feel fresh and clean.

p.3

Information about this inspection

Senior leaders have rigorously reviewed all documents, policies and procedures. Subsequently, monitoring systems have improved. In particular, these include locality risk assessments that take into account the learning from the last inspection. As a result, children will be kept safe as staff have a clearer understanding of procedure and responsibility.

p.3

Information about this inspection

Senior leaders and representatives of two local authorities have maintained contact throughout this period. A number of face-to-face meetings have taken place that have resulted in an improved, collaborative approach when considering future placements.

p.3

Information about this inspection

Senior leaders have continued to review the skill and knowledge base of staff. In particular, they have introduced at the induction period more detailed learning and training in children’s emotional and physical health, including diet and nutrition. As a result, children will be cared for by adults that have an improved understanding and skill set in relation to healthy eating, relationships and behaviours.

p.3

Information about this inspection

A dedicated experienced staff team is in place for when children move into the home. The temporary manager has continued to provide regular supervision and appraisal of staff’s practice.

p.3

Information about this inspection

A further inspection will take place once children have moved into the home. Ofsted is, however, satisfied that the home has completed all necessary actions that were identified at the previous inspection.

p.3

Information about this inspection

Using the ‘Social care common inspection framework’, this inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report children’s home: SC443079 4

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit B2, Elmbridge Court, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL3 1JZ

p.4

Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Christine Cameron

p.4

Inspector:

Linda Bond, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC443079 5 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.4

Inspector:

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, 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 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspector:

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

p.5

Inspector:

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.5