Children's Home run by Benecare Limited in Kent

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC357981 1 SC357981

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Benecare Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private company owns the home. It is one of several homes run by the same organisation. The statement of purpose specifies that it will provide care and accommodation for up to four children aged between eight and 18, who have experienced multiple rejections and can display challenging behaviours, which are symptomatic of neglect, emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in February 2018.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was conducted due to Ofsted’s escalating concerns about other homes within the same organisation. The inspection activities were completed in accordance with current COVID-19 (coronavirus) guidance. This included an on-site visit. Key themes considered were the approach to risk management, monitoring of the home by leaders and managers, assessment of referral information, staff experience, qualifications and numbers and safeguarding practice.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager considers all the pertinent risks provided in referral documentation. She determines what is high risk and agrees control measures with placing social workers. When further information comes to light, staff are swift in formulating risk management strategies and communicating these to the whole team. This means that staff keep children as safe as possible. The registered manager challenges other agencies about the reasons why key risks were not made known at the time of a child coming to live in the home.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager thinks widely about the risks. For example, she updates the location risk assessment to clearly inform staff on what to do in the event a child may place themselves at risk in the local community. Staff are clear on the permissible interventions they can use. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC357981 2 The registered manager is impressive. She is demonstrating good leadership. She has a grasp of the service with the necessary monitoring and evaluation in place to ensure continuing development and improvement. Her drive for continual improvement is infectious and this is evident in the staff team.

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This monitoring visit

Staff work well with other professionals to keep children emotionally safe. They understand the difficult and painful emotions that children experience as they explore their life story. Staff work with others such as a social worker and clinical psychologist. This means that staff support children with great sensitivity and insight. For the first time in their lives, children can come to an understanding of the trauma that they have suffered.

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This monitoring visit

Staff work well together as a team. The core team is suitably qualified and experienced, with some staff having several years of service. New staff are well inducted and supported. The registered manager deploys staff effectively, so no one is working excessive hours.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager’s approach to safeguarding is strong and exceeds the guidance of the organisation’s policies and procedures. She does not hesitate to act to keep children safe, involving other safeguarding professionals when necessary. Her audit trail is an exemplar of best practice.

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This monitoring visit

Safer recruitment practice is adopted. Photographic identity is now verified, as required at the last full inspection. Recruitment, supervision and performance management of staff safeguards children and minimises potential risks to them. Any identified issues are acted on by the seniors or the registered manager. Children live in a safe culture where staff are confident to challenge any poor practice they observe in each other.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 09/07/2019 Full Good 11/12/2018 Full Good 20/10/2016 Full Good 12/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC357981 3

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What does the children’s home need to do to improve?

No requirements or recommendations are made from this inspection.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the safeguarding and leadership arrangements, due to concerns arising about the wider organisation.

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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 address: 113a St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 3PE

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Inspector

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

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

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