Children's home run by Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited in Thanet

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC023745 1 SC023745

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Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private company that operates other children’s homes in the area. The home’s statement of purpose says that the home provides a nurturing, and safe environment for children who have autism spectrum disorder, severe to moderate learning difficulties or global learning delay, and/or mild to severe emotional, behavioural and communication difficulties.

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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

A full inspection from 16 January 2019 to 17 January 2019 judged the home as inadequate. There were serious failings relating to the protection of children, and leaders and managers were not taking effective action to prevent these shortfalls or taking steps to improve future practice. In order to evaluate the progress the home has made in addressing these concerns, a monitoring visit was undertaken on 15 March 2019.

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This monitoring visit

At the last inspection, the assessment and management of risk were both found to be weak. The registered manager has thoughtfully and seriously reviewed the children’s individual risk assessments. They now provide staff with detailed and clear guidance on safely managing children’s highly complex behaviours and protecting children in potentially high-risk situations. Personal emergency evacuation plans are now in place to minimise the risk of harm to children in the event of a fire.

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This monitoring visit

Previously, it was found that effective action was not taken when a child made an allegation against a member of staff who was working alone in the home. There have been no allegations made against staff since the last inspection. A child has raised concerns about staff practice. This was dealt with appropriately and effectively by the registered manager. Although the concern was not an allegation, the registered manager did consult with the designated officer, but not prior to Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC023745 2 investigating the concern. There is a lack of clarity and confidence in decision- making as to the course of action to be taken when dealing with concerns. Record- keeping in relation to safeguarding matters has improved, and reflects conversations with safeguarding professionals, decisions made and action taken. Since the last inspection, the home has notified Ofsted appropriately of significant events.

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This monitoring visit

The policy in relation to staff working alone with children has been reviewed and revised. In view of the current children’s risk assessments, lone working is not permitted. Records of rosters actually worked by staff are kept.

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This monitoring visit

The training for staff in relation to the children’s current needs has been reviewed by managers. Additional training in communication techniques is not currently required as all of the children are using speech as their communication method.

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This monitoring visit

The home has made significant progress in addressing the shortfalls identified at the previous inspection. Consequently, a new judgement of requires improvement has been made.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 16/01/2019 Full Inadequate 3/10/2017 Full Good 21/02/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness 14/11/2016 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC023745 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

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure— that staff— are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies. (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vii))

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Requirement Due date

Specifically, ensure that managers are clear and confident in their decision-making as to the course of action to be taken when dealing with concerns. 01/05/2019

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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: SC023745 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 17 Leigh Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT12 5EU

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Leslie Davenport

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Inspector

Jan Hunnam, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC023745 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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