Children's Home, Residential special school run by Wandsworth Borough Council in Wandsworth

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470513 1 SC470513

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Wandsworth Borough Council

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This is a local authority-run service which provides care and accommodation for up to 56 children who have autism spectrum disorders and associated conditions. The registered children’s home is on the same site as the organisation’s school; it accommodates children for 38 and 52 weeks of the year.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since September 2016.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was carried out following the inadequate judgment made at the full inspection in November 2018. Two compliance notices were issued from that inspection. The purpose of this monitoring visit was to access the progress made against these compliance notices.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager was present at this monitoring visit, as well as the responsible individual.

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(iii)(v)(vi))

At the inspection in November 2018, shortfalls were found in safeguarding practice. Three records reviewed did not evidence a satisfactory response to concerns raised that staff were physically and emotionally abusing children. In addition, records were incomplete and not dated. Inspectors also found records of safeguarding concerns that used derogatory or assumptive language being used in relation to children’s allegations.

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(iii)(v)(vi))

A review of all safeguarding incidents, dating back to 2018, has been undertaken by the senior leadership team. A further audit, by an external consultancy, has also Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470513 2 taken place. The report findings outline a series of failings in the organisation’s reporting, recording and referring of safeguarding matters to external agencies. This resulted in three allegations being referred to the designated officer.

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(iii)(v)(vi))

The reviews identified some potential impact on children. They indicated that children could potentially have lost trust in adults and may feel confused about acceptable physical interactions with staff. However, staff have not observed any changes in the children’s presentation or behaviour.

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(iii)(v)(vi))

The senior leadership team identified learning points from the audit and review. As a result, the designated safeguarding team has been increased. Staff have received updated training on the role and expectations of reporting and recording. There is now clarity as to overall responsibility’.

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(iii)(v)(vi))

The senior leadership team has produced a report and an action plan to address the shortfalls identified. An external consultancy will be conducting the independent visits and have increased their frequency to four days per month to enable a more rigorous assessment of the home’s records. The senior leadership has agreed for the Kent local authority designated officer to work with it for a six-month period to monitor internal safeguarding records.

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(iii)(v)(vi))

The compliance notice is met and will be further tested at the next inspection.

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A compliance notice was served under regulation 23 (2)(b)

Leaders and managers have reviewed the use of covert medication. The medication policy has been amended to reflect the NICE guidance. It now contains clear directions and information regarding the administration of medication, in particular the use of covert medication and the processes to follow for children aged under or over the age of 16.

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A compliance notice was served under regulation 23 (2)(b)

The policy now states that, when required, a mental capacity assessment is completed for children who may require covert medication. This details how medication is administered and seeks to reduce the use of covert medication. These plans are reviewed termly. However, staff have yet to be trained regarding mental capacity.

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A compliance notice was served under regulation 23 (2)(b)

Plans to further reduce the use of covert medication include working with the speech and language therapist and occupational therapist to enhance understanding of the children’s sensory needs.

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A compliance notice was served under regulation 23 (2)(b)

The compliance notice is met and will be further tested at the next inspection. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470513 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 27/11/2018 Full Inadequate 29/11/2017 Full Good 23/01/2017 Full Outstanding 13/07/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470513 4

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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

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to— ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child. (Regulation 13 (1)(2)(d)) 22/02/2019

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Requirement Due date

The health and well-being standard is that the health and well-being needs of children are met; children receive advice, services and support in relation to their health and well- being; and children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure— that staff help each child to achieve the health and well- being outcomes that are recorded in the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 10 (1)(2)(a)(i))

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Requirement Due date

Specifically, staff should seek outcomes of medical appointments and procedures in a timely manner. 22/02/2019

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must keep the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it; and notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised statement within 28 days of the revision. (Regulation 16 (3)(b)) 22/02/2019

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Recommendations

 Any individual appointed to carry out visits to the home as an independent person must make a rigorous and impartial assessment of the home’s arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in the home’s care. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 65, paragraph 15.5) Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470513 5

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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

Provision sub-type: Residential special school

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: London Borough of Wandsworth

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Early Years Centre, 1 Siward Road, London SW17 0LA

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Inspectors

Sarah Olliver, social care inspector Emeline Evans, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470513 6 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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