Children's Home run by Fairport Care Services Ltd in Kent

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC066129 1 SC066129

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Fairport Care Services Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned children’s home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children. The statement of purpose states that the home accommodates children aged eight to 18 who are deemed to require help in a residential specialist resource.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since 2008.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was carried out following the restriction notice that began on 22 August 2018. The purpose of this monitoring visit was to ensure that the provider had remained compliant with the restriction of accommodation notice that expires on 14 November 2018. The inspector also sought evidence to demonstrate whether the provider had met the requirements made at the full inspection on 15 and 16 August 2018.

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This monitoring visit

The inspector met with the acting manager, and one director. No young people have moved into the home since the last inspection. Therefore, the provider is compliant with the restriction of accommodation notice. Relevant records were examined, and a tour of the premises was conducted.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager remains absent from work. The responsible individual is leaving the company, and one of the directors is in the process of registering for the role.

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This monitoring visit

At the previous full inspection, a requirement was made regarding the whistle- blowing policy. The policy has been updated and now provides staff with clear guidance on whistle-blowing, what to report, to whom and when. Staff showed that they are familiar with the policy, and have read and understood it. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC066129 2 The director and staff have reviewed the home’s statement of purpose. Frequent staff meetings have been utilised as an opportunity to underpin the staff’s understanding of how to deliver care in practice. Staff spoke of feeling well supported and clear about the objectives set by leaders and managers. Regular communication from leaders and managers further supports the staff in delivering consistent, predictable care.

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This monitoring visit

One young person is living at the home. The consistent team approach has provided him with boundaries that he is unable to flex. As a result of this, he has developed improved communication skills and understands that staff can keep him safe.

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This monitoring visit

The home’s safer recruitment process has been reviewed. Leaders and managers found significant shortfalls in previous recruitment checks. This resulted in a staff member who was banned from driving being able to drive company vehicles. No notification was made regarding this, nor was the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) informed. Changes in practice include two staff signing off the checks to ensure that no new staff are approved to begin work until the relevant checks are completed satisfactorily.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers are utilising team meetings to share knowledge and develop new formats. A good example of this is the team members working together on a referral. Through this practical experience they identified gaps in the impact assessment and used this learning to develop a new format. The team members have experienced a sense of achievement as a result of successfully developing new practices together.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 15/08/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good 14/05/2018 Full Inadequate 14/11/2017 Full Good 30/03/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC066129 3

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet 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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

If there is a referral of a person working in the home pursuant to section 35 (Regulated activity providers: duty to refer) of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006(1), the registered person must without delay notify— HMCI; the placing authority; and each other relevant person.

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Requirement Due date

Specifically, notify using the system for regulation 40 notifications, and ensure that relevant information is shared with the DBS. 25/10/2018

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Recommendations

 As set out in regulations 31–33, the registered person is responsible for maintaining good employment practice. They must ensure that the recruitment, supervision and performance management of staff safeguards children and minimises potential risks to them. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1)

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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 children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC066129 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Fairport Care Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Bank Chambers, 1 Central Avenue, ME10 4AE

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Nicky Farrant-D-Wilson

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Inspector

Sarah Olliver, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC066129 5 to 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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