Children's Home run by Pilgrims Corner Limited in Kent

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 1 SC473891

p.1

Pilgrims Corner Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private company. Its statement of purpose states that it provides ongoing intensive individual attention, stability and support to children who have experienced disrupted development and multiple placement moves. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two children.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The registered manager post has been vacant since 15 April 2020.

p.1

This monitoring visit

This inspection was conducted remotely by reviewing documentary evidence submitted by the responsible individual in response to the steps specified in the compliance notices issued on 27 February 2020. In addition, a telephone interview was conducted with the responsible individual on 7 April 2020. These arrangements were in place to follow guidance issued by Public Health England, in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

p.1

This monitoring visit

A monitoring visit took place on 18 February 2020. This raised significant concerns about the safety and well-being of children at the home. On 27 February 2020, four compliance notices were issued. These notices were in respect of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015:

p.1

This monitoring visit

 Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(i)  Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)  Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(c)  Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii). Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 2

p.1

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

Step 1 requires that all known risks for children are clearly recorded in risk assessments and/or risk management plans and that there is clear assessment of risk and the measures in place to reduce risk.

p.2

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

The responsible individual stated that all risk assessments and risk management strategies had been reviewed and updated for both children in placement. While the inspector saw evidence that these documents had been reviewed, the inspector found that risk assessments are unclear and that there are some significant omissions. For example, the documents submitted do not outline what action has been taken to support a child who presented with a ligature in March 2020. There is no ligature training listed on the training matrix or on staff members’ training records.

p.2

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

This prompted inspectors to make an urgent request for immediate action from the provider on 15 April 2020. The provider submitted a specific risk assessment and action plan on 16 April 2020, which described risk management strategies to safeguard the child. The responsible individual also supplied ligature training certificates for seven of the 13 staff members listed on the training matrix for the home. These were emailed to Ofsted on 21 April 2020. It was judged that these actions mitigated the immediate risk to the child.

p.2

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

The provider identified a risk that one child may present concerning sexualised language and behaviour. In the associated risk assessment, there is a brief mention of lone working being acceptable. However, there are no clear strategies for staff to keep themselves safe in this situation. In general, risk management strategies for staff are not clear. They do not give enough information to enable staff to stay safe and to ensure the safety of children.

p.2

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

None of the risk assessments provided show evidence of consultation with children. None of the documents are signed by children, the home’s manager or responsible individual.

p.2

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

Step 2 requires that the recording of risk and of the risk-reduction measures matches the information recorded in the children’s relevant plans.

p.2

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

The behaviour support plan for one child refers to a range of diagnostic terms, including oppositional defiance disorder, autism spectrum disorder and premature adrenarche. There is no link between these diagnoses and the child’s risk assessments and risk management strategies.

p.2

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

Step 3 requires that all staff are fully aware of, and act in accordance with, the assessments of risk and of the measures in place to reduce risks to children. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 3 It is unclear how the aforementioned diagnoses inform staff practice and effective strategies to meet the child’s needs. There is also no evidence that staff have been given specific training in relation to these diagnoses in order to help inform their care of the children.

p.2

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

Step 4 requires that all assessments of risk, and the measures in place to reduce risk, are reviewed by the registered person and there is a record of such reviews.

p.3

Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)

No completed staff supervision records were provided, so therefore there was no evidence that senior leaders had formally assessed staff competencies in relation to risk management practice. There are no completed management monitoring records to show how senior leaders maintain an effective oversight of risk management practices.

p.3

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

Step 1 requires that that all staff are provided with full support, guidance and training to enhance their ability to work with children who have an autism spectrum disorder.

p.3

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

The responsible individual stated that all Fleetwood Cottage staff were planning to attend autism spectrum disorder awareness training on 6 March 2020. The provider submitted copies of certificates related to this training. When these were cross- referenced with the supplied training matrix for staff at the home, this showed that only 8 out of 13 staff members attended the course.

p.3

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

There is no evidence that learning from the training which took place in March 2020 has been applied to inform the relevant child’s risk assessments or behaviour support plan. There is no assessment of how training has had a positive impact on the lived experience of the child who has an autism spectrum disorder. There is also no evidence to show how staff competence and understanding have been tested following the training.

p.3

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

From documentation supplied, there is no indication of how staff who did not attend the training are to be supported to gain access to the information they need to support the child effectively. Although some staff attended a relevant course in December 2018, no evidence is available of how this training has been refreshed, following the admission of a child who has an autism spectrum disorder.

p.3

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

Step 2 requires that all staff understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person.

p.3

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

The compliance action plan provides contradictory information, as it states that all the children’s home staff have been directed to complete a refresher in safeguarding training by 16 March 2020, and then the same plan states that this training will be Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 4 completed by 5 April 2020. However, it is unclear from the provider’s training records how many staff have completed this. The evidence submitted does not outline how staff members’ knowledge and competence of their safeguarding roles and responsibilities have been tested.

p.3

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

Step 3 requires that all staff can demonstrate that they can take, or if necessary have taken, effective actions whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare.

p.4

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

The failure to improve practice in relation to risk management and provide effective training for staff to inform their care of children with specific diagnoses means that this step is not met.

p.4

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

Step 4 requires that the registered person reviews the competence of all staff with reference to the steps in this compliance notice and can evidence such competence.

p.4

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

The evidence supplied does not demonstrate how the registered person has reviewed the competence of staff in line with this compliance notice. For example, the inspector is unable to review staff supervision records, so feedback given to staff members on their practice and competence cannot be reviewed.

p.4

Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)

A supervision plan from April 2020 covering the upcoming six months was provided. Dates of supervisions for the previous six months were requested but not provided.

p.4

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(c)

Step 1 requires the provider to complete a full and detailed review of the experience, qualifications and skills of staff and how these meet the needs of each child.

p.4

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(c)

The responsible individual provided competency and skills assessment forms for six of the current staff at the home. It is noted that they contain gaps in training for staff and do not provide clear plans for how these skills gaps are to be addressed. The competency and skills assessment form is generic and does not provide any link to how training is tailored to meet the specific needs of children in the home. There is also no evaluation of how training links to the current roles and responsibilities of staff members.

p.4

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(c)

Step 2 requires the provider to make the review of staff experience, qualifications and skills available to inspectors and ensure that there is a clear plan that addresses the needs of staff (when applicable) and the needs of the team as a whole (if applicable).

p.4

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(c)

The registered person did not submit any report or formal review of competence for staff members. A workforce plan was submitted. This document identifies that for a number of training topics, ‘Some staff are still required to complete their mandatory training [which] is monitored by head office, and then updates on training [that is] Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 5 still required [are] given to the Home Manager.’ However, the workforce plan does not specify any formal identified timescale or actions to address these shortfalls and any skills gaps for staff.

p.4

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

Step 1 requires that the registered person reviews how children are supported to make complaints and have their concerns treated with due seriousness. This review should be made available to inspectors and ways in which practice has been improved as a result of the review should be evidenced.

p.5

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

The responsible individual states that a child-friendly and updated version of the young people’s guide contains a new complaints process, and this has been discussed with children.

p.5

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

A new complaints booklet was provided as evidence. However, in this booklet there are references to a manager from another home as the primary point of contact. There are concerns about the wording of the document. For example, the complaint booklet states, ‘Remember to only make a complaint if you really need to.’ This language could discourage children from coming forward and speaking out. Wording in the booklet is unclear and does not appear to have considered the processing and communication issues of one child who lives in the home and who has an autism spectrum disorder.

p.5

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

The record of a children’s meeting dated 3 April 2020 refers to a discussion with children about the new complaints booklet. This references a booklet with the suggested title ‘Moans, groans and positive tones’. This is not the booklet that was presented in evidence. There is also reference to a complaints form, but this has not been submitted as evidence.

p.5

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

The review of the process by which children’s complaints are handled is based solely on the updating of a booklet from another home, and information has not been updated or tailored to the needs of children at Fleetwood Cottage.

p.5

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

Step 2 requires that senior managers maintain an effective oversight of all matters in the home. They should be able to demonstrate a dynamic approach to problem solving that reacts quickly to challenges at the home.

p.5

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

The responsible individual submitted new management audit tools as evidence of improved oversight. The inspector reviewed the audit tools submitted as evidence. These were all blank templates. No evidence was provided to demonstrate their implementation or subsequent impact. None of the documents provided had been signed by the responsible individual to evidence that she had reviewed and approved them. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 6 The action plan submitted by the organisation relating to workforce development does not refer to how senior managers maintain an effective oversight of all matters in the home.

p.5

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

Step 3 requires that senior managers demonstrate how they have utilised the latest research-based practice to improve the quality of care for children.

p.6

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

Two links were provided to mindfulness resources, and there is reference to psychological theories published in 1950. There is no evidence provided to demonstrate how the links provided relate to supporting the needs of the children currently placed, or how they link to current training or practice delivered in the home.

p.6

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

On 14 April 2020, Ofsted held a case review to consider whether an evaluation of the telephone conversation with the responsible individual, and subsequent documentary evidence, demonstrated that the steps in the compliance notices had been met. It was concluded that none of the steps in the compliance notices had been met for the reasons outlined in this report.

p.6

Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii)

Ofsted will now consider whether further enforcement action needs to be taken as a result of the compliance notices not being met.

p.6

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 12/11/2019 Full Good 30/01/2019 Full Good 25/10/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/03/2018 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 7

p.6

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.

p.7

Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe. In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure— that staff— 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. (Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(i))* 25/05/2020

p.7

Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe. In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure— that staff— have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm; understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person; take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare. (Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi))* 25/05/2020

p.7

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. In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to— ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(c))* 25/05/2020 Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 8 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. In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to— understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each

p.7

Requirement Due date

child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home; demonstrate that practice in the home is informed and improved by taking into account and acting on— research and developments in relation to the ways in which the needs of children are best met; and feedback on the experiences of children, including complaints received. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(f)(g)(i)(ii))* 25/05/2020

p.8

Requirement Due date

*These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

p.8

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

p.8

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.8

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pilgrims Corner Limited

p.8

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Suite 5, The Links, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 7GQ

p.8

Inspector

Peter Jackson, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC473891 9 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.

p.8

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.9

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.9

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.9