Children's home run by South West Mental Health Ltd in Somerset

Inspection report children’s home: 1185768 1 Registered provider: South West Mental Health Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately operated children’s home is currently registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children and young people.

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Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement to be good at the last full inspection. At the interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has continued to operate well and to provide stability and care for the two young people who currently live there. This is because they are looked after by staff who know them well and understand how to help them when they are upset or anxious.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, a new manager has been appointed. They are continuing to be supported by the previous registered manager until the registration process is completed. There have been a few changes to the staffing structure, but this has not impacted on the young people.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has been successful in making sure that the four requirements made at the last inspection have been met.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

A new system to record and review medications has been introduced and all staff have Inspection report children’s home: 1185768 2 refreshed their knowledge in the safe administration of medication. As a result, there have been no further medication errors. A review of the induction process to include an improved level of self-harm and mental health training for new members of staff ensures that all the staff are suitably skilled and qualified to care for the young people.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, one young person had a planned move to another home owned by the company. The registered manager reports that this young person has settled well and continues to have good relationships with the other young people and staff.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make progress. They regularly attend education whether it is college or specially designed learning opportunities. Records demonstrate that both young people are achieving in their chosen subjects.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff have a good understanding of the risks that the young people can place themselves in when they are not supervised. By following care and behaviour plans that are ratified by professionals, there has been a reduction in the incidents of self-harm and the need for physical intervention. When serious incidents have taken place, external agencies have been promptly and appropriately notified.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are being helped to understand how to keep themselves safe by regularly accessing a team of qualified therapists provided by the company. Staff spoke positively about this resource. For example, staff are provided with opportunities to critically reflect following an incident and to develop improved strategies to support the young people.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

31/07/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good 17/01/2018 Interim Sustained effectiveness 19/07/2017 Full Good 02/11/2016 Interim Declined in effectiveness Inspection report children’s home: 1185768 3

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the differences made to the lives of children and young people. They watched how professional staff work with children and young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care provided. Wherever possible, they talked to children and 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 whom it is trying to help, protect and look after.

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Information about this inspection

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

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’.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: South West Mental Health Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: H & H Accountants Limited, Old Bank Buildings, East Street, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0AJ

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Victoria Hayward

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Carol Holloway Post vacant

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Inspector(s)

Linda Bond, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: 1185768 4 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector(s)

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Inspector(s)

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Inspector(s)

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

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