Children's Home run by Active Ark Limited in Cumberland

Inspection report children’s home: 2506856 1 Registered provider: Active Ark Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private company. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children and young people who have social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since the home was registered with Ofsted on 22 January 2019.

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Enforcement action since last inspection:

None Inspection report children’s home: 2506856 2

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the home’s last full inspection, the registered manager has met most of the requirements and recommendations resulting from that inspection. For example, the manager successfully challenged deficits in health and education arrangements for one child. This led to the child re-engaging with school after a considerable absence, and receiving the mental health support he required. The child has since left the home and returned to live with his family.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

However, the manager is still not routinely recording and evidencing his work and the methods he uses to audit and monitor progress and improvement in the home. Although the manager’s quality of care review report was completed within the required timescale, it was not received by Ofsted prior to this inspection. The report did not conclude with an action plan to inform the home’s development planning.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Overall, the manager is not yet demonstrating consistent confidence in his role. However, he is currently working towards his level 5 diploma in children’s residential leadership and management, and is on course to complete this within the required timescale. This will challenge and assess the manager’s competency and knowledge, while providing a further learning opportunity to help develop his confidence.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

External monitoring arrangements continue to support the manager’s learning and provide him with valued guidance. However, monthly monitoring reports are not consistently received by Ofsted within the prescribed timescale. Although of benefit to the manager, this reduces the transparency between the home and Ofsted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff reported that they are well supported in their roles and receive regular supervision and practical support from their manager. Staff work cooperatively together to ensure that children receive consistency and a good continuity of care. Consequently, children settle quickly at this home, and enjoy positive and trusting relationships with staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are proactive in ensuring that children’s talents and interests are understood and nurtured. For one child who was very recently admitted, this has already included climbing and exploration of opportunities to fish locally. His social worker commented, ‘I am very impressed. He seems happy to be here and has settled well. This is positive and the reflection that he feels safe and secure. I am optimistic that this will be an excellent placement for him.’ Inspection report children’s home: 2506856 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/05/2019 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: 2506856 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— use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13(1)(a)(b)(2)(h)) 29/02/2020

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Requirement Due date

The independent person must provide a copy of the independent person’s report to— HMCI. (Regulation 44(7)(a))

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Requirement Due date

This relates to ensuring that Ofsted receive each monthly report and receive reports within the agreed timescale. 29/02/2020 Inspection report children’s home: 2506856 5

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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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, 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’. Inspection report children’s home: 2506856 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Active Ark, Unit E, Baron Way, Kingmoor Business Park, Carlisle CA6 4SJ

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Inspector

Gillian Walters, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: 2506856 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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