Children's Home run by Pathways Care Group Limited in Southend on Sea

Inspection report children’s home: 1256660 1 Registered provider: Pathways Care Group Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home provides care and support for up to five children who may have learning disabilities. This is one of several children’s homes operated by a private provider.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not had a registered manager since September 2019. An experienced acting manager has been in post since October 2019 and has applied for registration.

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: 1256660 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

The acting manager has met the three requirements and four recommendations that were set at the last inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The enthusiastic staff know the children well. They provide child-focused care and support. A parent said, ‘I feel that [my child] is loved by the staff. They take time and show patience and kindness.’ The children feel safe and like the staff. After school, they rush in to grab their snacks and talk about their day. The children are making great use of the new computer in the lounge, searching topics of personal interest while they relax.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff work closely with families and partner professionals. This partnership working and the new access to independent advocacy have been used to good effect to help secure one child a school placement that better meets their needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some of the children demonstrate behaviours that occasionally place others at risk. The staff understand that these behaviours are a form of communication and the staff are vigilant to the child’s emotional presentation. As a result, significant incidents are rare and the use of physical restraint is avoided. The suitably trained staff have used breakaway techniques on occasion to keep themselves safe from injury.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The building is safe, suitably maintained, spacious and clean. The fire arrangements are appropriate and there are suitable personal emergency evacuation plans in place. Locks that can be overridden in an emergency have been fitted to the children’s bedroom doors, which gives the children an improved sense of privacy while maintaining their safety. The children love relaxing in their spacious new double beds.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

New agency staff now receive a suitable induction. This means that they have an improved understanding of the children’s needs and are better prepared for their roles.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

External and internal quality assurance systems have improved. Consequently, the new manager has a good understanding of the strengths and areas for development. However, it is sometimes difficult to access particular information in the children’s files and some of the information is out of date. Inspection report children’s home: 1256660 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

08/04/2019 Full Good 01/11/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report children’s home: 1256660 4

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Recommendations

 Ensure that staff understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording. Record information on individual children in a way that will be helpful to the child. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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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: 1256660 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pathways Care Group Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Minton Place, Victoria Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1EG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Olubunmi Fabusuyi

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Inspector

Joanna Heller, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: 1256660 6 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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