Children's Home run by Gravitas Care Limited in Calderdale

Inspection report children’s home: 1257706 1 Registered provider: Gravitas Care Limited Interim inspection

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a private organisation which provides care and accommodation for up to two children or young people. The children and young people require care and support with their emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The new manager took up post in October 2019 and is in the process of registering with Ofsted. She has the relevant experience and qualifications to work with children and young people.

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Inspection date: 12 March 2020

Date of last inspection: 10 September 2019

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Inspection date: 12 March 2020

Judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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Inspection date: 12 March 2020

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: 1257706 2

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged outstanding 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

The children and young people enjoy the calm and nurturing environment established in the home. Children and young people told the inspector that they get on well with the staff and enjoy going on activities together. This includes going to the cinema, shopping and a range of other trips out to places of interest.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Attendance at school or other education provisions is variable; some children and young people make good progress, whereas others have declined to attend. The home has been proactive in addressing this situation and works with the placing authority and the virtual school. The children and young people are positively taking part in daily planned activities to build on their social, emotional and life skills. However, valuable formal learning opportunities are being missed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff are clear on how to keep the children and young people safe. Each child and young person’s risk assessment provides clear guidance and strategies for staff to follow. This better protects children and young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children and young people respond well to consistent care and the implementation of clear boundaries. When children and young people’s behaviour has been unsettled, the staff have taken swift action to support them to be able to better regulate their emotions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no physical interventions since the last inspection and the use of sanctions is minimal. When sanctions are used, these are proportionate to the particular behaviour.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some children have gone missing from home. When this has occurred, the staff have followed the agreed protocols. This includes searching for the children and young people and reporting them missing to the police.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is good partnership working with professionals and parents. There is frequent communication with social workers and the virtual school. A professional said, ‘The home sends a weekly progress report, and I receive emails and telephone calls. This is helpful.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Action has been taken to address the two requirements and the one recommendation made at the last inspection. All visitors to the home now sign in and out. This demonstrates who has been in the home and when. Staff supervision records are accessible for review and of good quality. Inspection report children’s home: 1257706 3 The children and young people live in a well-maintained house that is personalised and provides them with a homely environment.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home’s monitoring systems remain thorough, with routine checks taking place on health and safety matters, the children’s progress and plans. Any shortfalls identified through these monitoring systems are highlighted and addressed quickly. As such, the registered manager ensures that the staff continue to deliver a high standard of care to young people. Inspection report children’s home: 1257706 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/09/2019 Full Outstanding 03/10/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report children’s home: 1257706 5

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Recommendations

 Local authorities have a duty under section 22(3A) of the Children Act 1989 to promote the educational achievement of their looked-after children, which includes, as set out in guidance, seeking a school or other education setting that is best suited to the child’s needs. The local authorities’ responsibilities as corporate parent apply wherever the child is placed. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 27, paragraph 5.5)

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Recommendations

In particular, ensure that the local authority responds in a timely manner to secure appropriate education provisions in line with each child’s plan. In addition, that personal education plans are promptly reviewed.

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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: 1257706 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Gravitas Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 99 Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire HX7 5FB

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Inspector

Debbie Foster, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: 1257706 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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