Children's home run by Fusion College Ltd

Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 1 Registered provider: Fusion College Ltd

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is owned and managed by a private organisation. As a previously registered children’s home, it was acquired by this new provider in June 2019 with children living here and an established staff team. This home provides care and accommodation for up to eight girls. The statement of purpose specifies that this home provides medium- to long-term care for children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. The children’s home comprises two separate houses and there is an independent school on the same site. The manager has been registered since June 2019.

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Information about this children’s home

This inspection of the children’s home took place at the same time as a progress monitoring inspection of the independent school.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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inadequate

How well children and young people are helped and protected inadequate

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inadequate

The effectiveness of leaders and managers inadequate

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inadequate

There are serious and widespread failures that mean children are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded, and the care and experiences of children are poor and they are not making progress.

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inadequate

Date of last inspection: this is the first inspection since the home was registered in June 2019.

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inadequate

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 2 Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 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

6: The quality and purpose of care standard

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The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

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understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children;

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use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential.

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In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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understand and apply the home’s statement of purpose;

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understand and apply the home’s statement of purpose;

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protect and promote each child’s welfare;

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treat each child with dignity and respect;

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ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to—

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enable each child to participate in the daily life of the home. (Regulation 6 (1)(a)(b)(2)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii) and (c)(i)(ii)) 13/02/2020

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The positive relationships standard is that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships based on— 13/02/2020 Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 4 mutual respect and trust;

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an understanding about acceptable behaviour; and

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positive responses to other children and adults.

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In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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meet each child’s behavioural and emotional needs, as set out in the child’s relevant plans;

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help each child to develop socially aware behaviour;

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encourage each child to take responsibility for the child’s behaviour, in accordance with the child’s age and understanding;

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help each child to develop and practise skills to resolve conflicts positively and without harm to anyone;

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communicate to each child expectations about the child’s behaviour and ensure that the child understands those expectations in accordance with the child’s age and understanding;

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help each child to understand, in a way that is appropriate according to the child’s age and understanding, personal, sexual and social relationships, and how those relationships can be supportive or harmful;

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help each child to develop the understanding and skills to recognise or withdraw from a damaging, exploitative or harmful relationship;

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strive to gain each child’s respect and trust;

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understand how children’s previous experiences and present emotions can be communicated through behaviour and have the competence and skills to interpret these and develop positive relationships with children;

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are provided with supervision and support to enable them to understand and manage their own feelings and responses to the Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 5 behaviour and emotions of children, and to help children to do the same;

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de-escalate confrontations with or between children, or potentially violent behaviour by children;

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understand and communicate to children that bullying is unacceptable; and

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have the skills to recognise incidents or indications of bullying and how to deal with them; and

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that each child is encouraged to build and maintain positive relationships with others. (Regulation 11(1)(a)(b)(c)(2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii)(ix)(x) (xi)(xii)(xiii) and (b)) *12: The protection of children standard

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

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In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child;

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help each child to understand how to keep safe;

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have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

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manage relationships between children to prevent them from harming each other;

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understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

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take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare; and

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are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies; 13/02/2020 Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 6 that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm; and

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that the effectiveness of the home’s child protection policies is monitored regularly. (Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(b) and (e)) 13: The leadership and management standard

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The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

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In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

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ensure that staff work as a team where appropriate;

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ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

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understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home;

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demonstrate that practice in the home is informed and improved by taking into account and acting on—

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research and developments in relation to the ways in which the needs of children are best met; and

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feedback on the experiences of children, including complaints received; and

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use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(a)(b)(c)(f)(g)(h)) 13/02/2020

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20: Restraint and deprivation of liberty 13/02/2020 Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 7 Restraint in relation to a child is only permitted for the purpose of preventing—

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injury to any person (including the child);

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serious damage to the property of any person (including the child); or

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a child who is accommodated in a secure children’s home from absconding from the home.

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Restraint in relation to a child must be necessary and proportionate. (Regulation 20 (1)(a)(b)(c) and (2)) 34: Policies for the protection of children

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The registered person must prepare and implement a policy which—

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is intended to safeguard children accommodated in the children’s home from abuse or neglect; and

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sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect. (Regulation 34 (1)(a)(b)) 13/02/2020

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35: Behaviour management policies and records

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The registered person must prepare and implement a policy (“the behaviour management policy”) which sets out—

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how appropriate behaviour is to be promoted in the children’s home; and

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the measures of control, discipline and restraint which may be used in relation to children in the home.

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The registered person must keep the behaviour management policy under review and, where appropriate, revise it.

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within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes—

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details of the child’s behaviour leading to the use of the 13/02/2020 Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 8 measure;

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the date, time and location of the use of the measure;

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a description of the measure and its duration;

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details of any methods used or steps taken to avoid the need to use the measure;

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the name of the person who used the measure (“the user”), and of any other person present when the measure was used;

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the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure; and

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a description of any injury to the child or any other person, and any medical treatment administered, as a result of the measure;

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within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person who is authorised by the registered person to do so (“the authorised person”)—

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has spoken to the user about the measure; and

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has signed the record to confirm it is accurate; and

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within 5 days of the use of the measure, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure. (Regulation 35 (1)(a)(b)(2)(3)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii)(b)(i)(ii) and (c)) 37: Other records

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Schedule 4 sets out the other information that the registered person must keep in relation to a children’s home.

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maintain in the home the records in Schedule 4. (Regulation 37 (1)(2)(a))

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In particular, ensure that the register records the statutory provision (if any) under which the child is accommodated. 13/02/2020

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The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if— 13/02/2020 Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 9 a child is involved in or subject to, or is suspected of being involved in or subject to,

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an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious;

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there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there;

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a child protection enquiry involving a child —

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concludes (in which case, the notification must include the outcome of the child protection enquiry); or

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there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(a)(b)(c)(d)(i)(ii) and (e))

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* These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

The progress and experiences of children are inadequate because safeguarding arrangements are weak, management oversight is poor and therefore children are not always fully protected.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Some children do not always feel safe in their own home. Poor decision-making by leaders and managers has led to two children moving into this home when their needs cannot be met, and they are not compatible with the residential group. Disruptive behaviour from children with complex needs has a negative effect on other children living in the home and influences their decision-making. Children have increased the level of shouting, bullying and antisocial behaviour. In addition, attitudes towards staff have deteriorated.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

At times and in response to damage made to the environment, children are denied the use of basic essentials in the kitchen. Due to the poor assessment of needs, some children pose a danger with access to a kettle and they smash crockery and glassware in the home. As a result, these items are removed for safety as a temporary measure and food and drink are served using plastic items. Children told the inspectors this restrictive measure is called ‘being on plastics’. Such a chaotic environment prevents children from feeling secure or comfortable and has a negative effect on their overall personal Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 10 development.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children live in houses that both require some redecoration and minor repair. Leaders and managers have a list of maintenance jobs for the two houses. Aspects of the home are comfortable and, in a family-style appearance. However, there has been some delay in attending to the list of jobs identified.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children’s attendance at the on-site school is generally good, particularly considering that many children have experienced disruption to their education before living here. Communication between teaching and care staff occurs at the beginning and end of each school day to ensure that all staff are suitably informed on how to support the children with their learning. Additional lessons in science and modern foreign languages are provided to meet individual needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Relationships between staff and children are typically very positive. Several carers provide warm, nurturing and supportive responses to the children, including an appropriate hug goodbye at the end of the day and enjoying listening to music or cooking together. Most children spoke positively about particular carers saying they are confident to talk with them when they are unhappy. However, not all children feel that their concerns are always acted on, records support their view.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Activities for children are individualised to meet their personalised interests and talents. Some children enjoy horse-riding in the local area while others have joined local activity groups. Children are very proud of their recent attendance at the Christmas open day. They helped staff to set up the event, serve guests and entertain them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

Children are helped to develop age appropriate life skills. For example, two children have successfully started to manage a small weekly budget that requires them to menu plan, shop and cook meals for themselves. Younger children help with chores around the home including taking responsibility for washing or drying the dinner dishes and helping to keep their rooms tidy.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

During the inspection, mealtimes were observed to be sociable and family-style occasions. Nutritious, home-cooked meals are prepared and carers and children sit together at the large dining tables sharing the meal and their news of the day.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

The arrangements to safeguard children are inadequate. Allegations of abuse against staff members, made by children, are not always recognised as such and consequently children are not being listened to. Despite having clear guidance within the safeguarding policy and up-to-date training, managers and staff fail to act to investigate whether children are being harmed.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

A lack of curiosity by leaders, managers and staff leaves children at risk of harm. Through reading reports, the inspectors became aware of eight separate incidents where a reference to an allegation of abuse was made by children and had been recorded by Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 11 various members of the staff team. Staff are failing to identify and then escalate these allegations as required. Only two of the allegations have been passed to the manager. However, the thoroughness of the management review into these two allegations is inadequate, and no consultation has occurred with the designated officer within the local authority.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

Risk management when children go missing is poor. On two occasions, children have gone missing from the home at night without the staff team’s knowledge. The increase in going missing for one child has not led to a change in staff practice preventing further incidents. On one occasion, 35 minutes passed before staff contacted the police to report a child missing. This is a significant delay considering the staff team were aware of the child’s distressed state and close to a dangerous location. There is a lack of learning from events, resulting in risk management documents not being sufficiently updated. For example, known locations where children have been found are not added to the risk management plan. This can hinder the response to any future incidents of children going missing.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate

Behaviour management is not always effective. At times, behaviour has spiralled out of control and children have called the police due to being assaulted by another child. The use of restraint is not always appropriate. On two occasions, staff have used restraint to move children when it was not evident that this was necessary to prevent injury or serious damage to a person, or the home. An incident of restraint is not always recorded in the appropriate place and often lacks the full details. Similarly, sanctions are not always appropriate and lack creativity to be more restorative in nature. For example, three children were sanctioned for going missing overnight.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The leadership and management of this home are inadequate. Oversight by leaders and managers is poor and therefore children are not always fully protected.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Leaders and managers fail to apply effective scrutiny and challenge to records and care practices. A complex system for recording incidents and matters of concern restricts the ability of leaders and managers to gather a clear understanding of the quality of care for each child. The many different recording systems in use make it difficult for staff to comprehend where information should be recorded. For example, a record of a physical intervention was found in an incident log, but not in the record of restraint. In addition, the register of children living at the home lacks sufficient detail and is therefore not compliant with the regulations pertaining to a children’s home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The absence of comprehensive and effective monitoring results in leaders and managers not being fully aware of the strengths and areas for development of this home. Leaders and managers have started on one area of development. During the inspection, a new electronic system for recording was being launched and some staff were receiving training on how to use it. Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 12 Leaders and managers have failed to notify Ofsted, and other agencies, of serious events. Lack of action and reporting by the manager and staff team highlights a weakness in relation to their roles and responsibilities towards the protection of children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Safer recruitment procedures ensure that staff employed are suitably checked to work with children. A full complement of staff supports the minimal use of agency staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Parents and social workers are generally satisfied with the level of communication they receive about their children. In particular, they report positively on working in partnership with the manager and deputy of the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Leaders and managers are committed to addressing the failings identified from this inspection to improve the safety and care experiences for children.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the differences made to the lives of children and young people. They watched how professional staff work with children and young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care provided. Wherever possible, they talked to children and young people and their families. In addition, the inspectors have tried to understand what the children’s home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people whom it is trying to help, protect and look after.

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Information about this inspection

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: 2530801 13

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Fusion College Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Rumwell Hall, Rumwell, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1EL

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Inspectors

Clare Davies, social care inspector Paula Lahey, regulatory inspection manager Inspection report children’s home: 2530801 14 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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