Children's home run by Platform Childcare Ltd

Inspection report children’s home: 1264286 1 Registered provider: Platform Childcare Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care for up to four children who present with challenging complex behaviours. The manager was registered with Ofsted in November 2018.

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: 1264286 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 improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children make good progress in this stable, nurturing and happy environment. During this inspection, the strong and trusting relationships that the children have with the staff were evident. A social worker said, ‘The staff understand the child well. Really good relationships have been built. He is doing so well in their care. The staff are excellent role models. I’m really impressed with the home.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and staff have high aspirations for the children. Children are encouraged to be ambitious. A child who previously did not engage with education is planning to go to college after taking their GCSE exams this year. When children display periods of low motivation, the manager is proactive and works in partnership with other professionals to resolve any problems. The staff support the children to reach their full potential.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the children have detailed individual risk assessments. These are comprehensive and regularly updated. The manager ensures that the staff are aware of any changes in the children’s behaviours by recording in the child’s daily records and discussing in staff meetings. This means that the staff are aware of any new guidance to reduce risks further.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The dedicated staff spend individual time with the children and get to know them well. The staff recognise any changes in behaviour and are skilful at de-escalating incidents. There have been three physical interventions since the last inspection. Following each incident, the manager ensures that the view of the child is obtained and that the staff are debriefed. This enables the children to reflect on their behaviour and the staff to develop strategies to reduce the likelihood of further incidents.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children progress greatly because of the vast range of experiences offered to them. The staff support them to engage in activities of their choice and encourage them to embrace hobbies. These hobbies include attending the local gym, boxing club and dance classes. These activities improve the children’s confidence and help them to develop their social skills.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Regularly held children’s meetings ensure that time is spent gaining the children’s views and making plans for the week. The staff encourage the children to discuss any issues or problems that they may have, and complaints forms are available around the home. Since the last inspection, two complaints have been made. Both have been fully investigated and the child was updated throughout. Including children in the process ensures that they are listened to and that their opinions are respected. Inspection report children’s home: 1264286 3 Transitions into the home are well planned. Prior to an admission, the manager considers all information available alongside the needs of the children who already live at the home. A social worker of a newly admitted child said, ‘My child visited before moving in and she said that she had a good feeling about the home. The staff made a real effort. When the child moved in, the other children welcomed her

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

with a card that they had written themselves.’ Thoughtful planning has resulted in the child quickly settling into their new home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff benefit from good training and they are well supported by the manager and the deputy manager. All the staff receive regular supervision that now includes a more detailed discussion about their own personal development. This ensures that staff feel valued in their roles.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Internal monitoring systems review and evaluate the quality of care. The manager regularly undertakes a review of the practice at the home. The monitoring reports are detailed, contain feedback from the children and are a useful tool for development. However, not all the reports have been submitted to Ofsted. This prevents effective monitoring of the home by Ofsted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has met the four requirements and one recommendation set at the last inspection. Inspection report children’s home: 1264286 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/05/2019 Full Good 12/12/2018 Interim Sustained effectiveness 14/05/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report children’s home: 1264286 5

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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 complete a review of the quality of care provided for children (‘a quality of care review’) at least once every 6 months.

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Requirement Due date

supply to HMCI a copy of the quality of care review report within 28 days of the date on which the quality of care review is completed. (Regulation 45(1)(4)(a)) 10/04/2020

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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: 1264286 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Platform Childcare Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Suite 33 Anglesey Business Centre, Anglesey Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 3NT

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Inspector

Lynne Drage, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: 1264286 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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