Children's home run by Calcot Services for Children Limited

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2546476 1

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Calcot Services for Children Ltd

Monitoring visit 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 accommodation for up to six children who, according to the home’s statement of purpose, have complex emotional, social and behavioural difficulties. Children admitted to the home can vary in age between 10 years and 16 years. The home accepts both male and female children, and placements are matched appropriately to group living.

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This monitoring visit

This children’s home was newly registered in November 2019, and this is the first inspection of this service. The manager was registered with Ofsted in November 2019.

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This monitoring visit

Following this monitoring visit, we are satisfied that the home is making progress and we have no concerns.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has taken responsibility for her own development. She demonstrates a sound knowledge of the regulatory framework and has shared this knowledge within the wider organisational structure of Calcot Services for Children.

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This monitoring visit

Children, on the whole, experience positive transitions. However, where there has been an unplanned ending, the manager ensures that the child understands why this is happening. She communicates effectively with a range of professionals to ensure that the best possible plans are in place for the child.

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This monitoring visit

Plans for children moving into the home are thorough. The manager has high expectations of her team in relation to this process and also has high expectations of placing authorities. One social worker reported that the manager requested a lot of documentary information about a child moving into the home and carefully considered how the child would fit in with the other children in the home. The social worker reported that this attention to detail reassured him that the home would be Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2546476 2 able to meet the needs of the child being placed. Children already living in the home are involved in welcoming new children.

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This monitoring visit

Children live in a home where the manager has a good knowledge of how to keep them safe. This knowledge is shared with her staff team through formal training and workshops within team meetings. The manager has been able to reflect on the level of incidents that required notifications to Ofsted and shows a clear understanding of her duty to ensure that Ofsted is kept informed. She works positively and professionally with safeguarding officers in the local authority. One officer said that they are happy with their contact with this home and that they have no concerns.

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This monitoring visit

The manager is clear about the needs of all children in the home and is able to identify the progress that they have made. One child has made significant progress in education and now engages with her studies positively. Another child has improved their ability to manage their emotions, thereby enabling better relationships with staff, peers, and professionals. Another child has improved their independence skills.

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This monitoring visit

The manager demonstrates good insight into the strengths and the areas for development for the home. She identified the therapeutic approach that they use to inform their care of children as a particular strength. She reported that COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions have meant less community involvement for the children and limited opportunities to enjoy and achieve. It is her plan to correct this after lockdown.

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This monitoring visit

There is a detailed training schedule in place, which ensures that all staff are trained to a high level. Core training is provided as well as training that meets the needs of individual children. The induction process is rigorous, and this was confirmed by the newest member of staff. Regular supervision is not only provided during probation, but throughout their time at the home.

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This monitoring visit

There is a strong management structure in place. There are clear pathways for professional development, and a member of staff is currently on a development programme that will lead to promotion to team leader. The manager receives supervision from the responsible individual of the home or, where this is not possible, from the operations manager.

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Recent inspection history

This is the first inspection of this service. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2546476 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the progress made by the children’s home since its registration in November 2019.

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Information about this inspection

Ofsted is aware of the challenges that COVID-19 is currently posing to those we regulate. During this visit, the inspectors took into consideration the impact of any measures being taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 by the home. This has included the effect these have had on staffing arrangements.

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Information about this inspection

This visit was conducted offsite. Documents were reviewed. Staff were interviewed, the views of other professionals were provided and a child gave their views. This child was case tracked and their impact assessment reviewed.

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Information about this inspection

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

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Calcot Services for Children Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 8 Brewery Court, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5AJ

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Inspector

Vevene Muhammad, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2546476 4 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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