Children's Home run by Unique Care Homes Support Limited in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2503306 1

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Unique Care Homes Support Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is owned and run by a private provider. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six children and young people who have social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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This monitoring visit

This children’s home was judged inadequate at the full inspection on 22 October 2019. Three requirements were set at this inspection. These related to recruitment practice, the protection of children and the home’s statement of purpose. This monitoring visit was carried out to consider the progress made in relation to recruitment practice.

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This monitoring visit

Recruitment processes are now more robust. The recruitment policy has been revised and updated. There is a recruitment flowchart to assist managers and enable better monitoring of recruitment files. Revised processes for applications and shortlisting now allow for better scrutiny of candidates applying for positions at the home.

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This monitoring visit

Interview record forms now have additional questions to promote safe recruitment. The reasons for leaving previous employment are discussed as part of the interview process. Candidates are also asked whether they have been subject to any disciplinary action in previous employment. Where concerns are raised, a follow-up interview will be undertaken, and a statement outlining the decision-making will be recorded on file. This will detail the suitability of the candidate for employment at the home.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager now has responsibility for carrying out reference checks. This includes the verification of all references. The registered manager will seek to clarify the reasons for leaving employment and whether there have been any concerns with regard to work practices. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2503306 2 The revised procedures strengthen safeguarding within the home. The requirements made regarding recruitment and the protection of children are deemed to be met.

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This monitoring visit

One of the requirements was not considered as part of this monitoring visit. It will be considered at the next full inspection. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2503306 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/10/2019 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2503306 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 registered person must ensure that the home is at all times conducted in a manner which is consistent with its statement of purpose.

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Requirement Due date

This particularly refers to ensuring that staff have received the necessary training and have the necessary skills to support children with additional needs, as cited in the home’s statement of purpose. 22/11/2019 Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2503306 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. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2503306 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Unique Care Homes Support Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: White House Business Centre, The White House, Greenalls Avenue, Warrington WA4 6HL

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Inspector

Sarah Orriss, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2503306 7 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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