Children's home run by New Forest Care Limited

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1264282 1

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New Forest Care Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private company owns this home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two children. The statement of purpose for the home says it offers long-term care for children.

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Information about this children’s home

There home has been without a registered manager since March 2018.

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This monitoring visit

This children’s home was judged to have declined effectiveness at the interim inspection on 16 January 2019, and one compliance notice was served. This was in respect of Regulation 12, the protection of children standard.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was carried out on 19 February 2019 to assess the provider’s compliance and progress with the notice.

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

Leaders and managers were required to provide evidence that they have reviewed, improved and developed their systems, processes and staff knowledge and practice to manage safeguarding concerns and allegations. Records need to contain a clear evidence trail that could withstand robust challenge and review, from instigation to outcome of a concern. Managers were to carry out a documented internal investigation and review of all allegations that had been made and the concerns that had been noted during the inspection on 16 January 2019. The provider was to ensure that senior leaders, managers and staff refer on to the appropriate agency, in line with safeguarding guidance, whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s safety or welfare. Also, the provider was to ascertain whether amendments to practice are required or if lessons could be learned, and to review and record all risk assessments that staff follow to assist them in managing and minimising known risk

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1264282 2 factors.

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

One concern has been reported since the previous inspection. Records evidence the actions taken by staff and provide a clear evidence trail that should withstand robust challenge and review. Staff reported the concern to leaders swiftly and ensured that an outcome was achieved. Staff referred the concern to others as soon as possible. The day-to-day manager ensured that a decision from relevant safeguarding agencies was sought and that staff were clear about next steps and further actions.

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

Managers completed an internal review of the allegations that were noted during the 16 January 2019 inspection. Lessons have been learned and managers have identified aspects of practice that require update and development. Training has been provided to improve staff knowledge and understanding of the processes they should follow when a concern arises. The report is detailed and explores each allegation, staff actions, managers’ actions, what could have been done differently, if any lessons could be learned, or if any changes to practice are needed. The report explores concerns in an open, transparent and positive manner that promotes and allows for a critical review and reflection through the investigation process.

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

The review has provided insight into what works in the organisation and what needs to improve and develop. The findings have been shared with all relevant people in the organisation including owners, senior leaders, managers and directors. Actions that promote all managers’ knowledge and understanding of safeguarding policy and procedures have been implemented. Managers in each home in the organisation will now lead on specific safeguarding concerns. The organisation’s designated safeguarding lead will provide advice, guidance, oversight, monitoring and evaluation of these processes to ensure that the quality is at the required standard.

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

Managers have reviewed risk assessments. They now contain relevant up-to-date information and guidance that direct staff and provide practical advice to enable them to manage and minimise risk. Risk assessments that advise and guide staff in how to manage and minimise harmful behaviours are now very detailed and provide specific information for each type of risk-taking behaviour. Staff have consulted with safeguarding agencies and others to formulate clear plans that support and guide staff to promote a consistent approach to minimising risk-taking behaviours.

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

Behaviour management records provide clarity about what occurred before, during and after an incident. This enables managers to review and evaluate actions and to assess how effective the measures are. When an incident occurs, staff speak with the child after the event to explore and review the incident.

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

The provider has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance notice served, which has been met in full.

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The protection of children standard (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vi))

In addition to the compliance notice served, regulations were breached at the previous inspection. The provider has made appropriate steps to meet these. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1264282 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 16/01/2019 Interim Declined in effectiveness 01/10/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1264282 4

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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.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: New Forest Care Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: West Shore House, West Street, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AA

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Inspector

Amanda Maxwell, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1264282 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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