Children's Home run by The Spring Children‟s and Transitional Care Limited in Birmingham

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1253623 1

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The Spring Children’s and Transitional Care Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This service is operated by a private provider and is registered to provide care and accommodation for two children who have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The interim manager of the home has applied for registration.

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This monitoring visit

This children’s home was judged inadequate on 10 March 2020 for the second time. A notice restricting accommodation was issued following the monitoring visit on 2 June 2020.

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This monitoring visit

Following this monitoring visit, one recommendation and nine out of the 10 requirements were met. The notice restricting accommodation was removed and a compliance notice was issued in respect of regulation 32.

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This monitoring visit

Inspectors conducted this monitoring visit remotely to comply with government guidance regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

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This monitoring visit

Staff recruitment practice is still not good. Inspectors found that on one occasion, the reference provided in relation to a staff member does not match the employment history on their application. In addition, the reference was sought after the member of staff started working at the home. Inspectors also found that some staff recruitment files do not include a full employment history and gaps in employment are not discussed at interview. This continuous shortfall in recruitment practice has the potential to compromise young people’s safety.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have a clear escalation process in place. Staff challenge services when their performance or response is not good enough. As a result, staff Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1253623 2 now have access to statutory documents that are essential in supporting the care of the young person.

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This monitoring visit

Staff take young people’s wishes and feelings into account. As a result, young people are more confident to express their views and feelings and are listened to.

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This monitoring visit

Feedback from professionals is largely positive. Staff are better supported through supervisions and team meetings to understand the new monitoring tools. As a result, staff are now better able to monitor the young person’s progress and needs.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has revised the statement of purpose. For example, information relating to therapeutic services has been updated. This review by the manager ensures that the statement of purpose reflects what the home is offering and is no longer misleading.

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This monitoring visit

The responsible individual seeks support from others outside of the organisation to develop his own learning. While his learning remains ongoing, the responsible individual is able to evidence his learning in practice by his influence in the home. For example, staff have noted an increased presence and support for their development. Random quality assurance visits by the responsible individual help him to keep updated and assured that staff are working in line with new monitoring systems that help to assess the quality of care.

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This monitoring visit

The independent visitor provides monthly reports that include her assessment about whether young people are effectively safeguarded, and their well-being promoted. This report is now provided to staff to read and learn from.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have reviewed the quality of care and a written report has been provided to Ofsted. The report has identified actions, and consultations with others have been made and included in the report. This review of the quality of care ensures that feedback received is acted on to improve the service.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has consulted with relevant people to inform the location risk assessment. As a result, the review of the location of the home and what risks may be presented is clear.

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This monitoring visit

The children’s guide is user friendly and now includes information about how young people can complain if they are unhappy. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1253623 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 10/03/2020 Full Inadequate 20/11/2019 Full Inadequate 19/02/2019 Full Good 19/12/2017 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1253623 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person 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 must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety.

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Requirement Due date

employ an individual to work at the children’s home; or

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Requirement Due date

allow that individual to work at the home, if the individual satisfies the requirements in paragraph (3).

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Requirement Due date

full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person may permit an individual to start work at the home despite the fact that the requirement in paragraph (3)(d) has not been met if—

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Requirement Due date

the registered person has taken all reasonable steps to obtain full information about each of the matters in Schedule 2 in respect of the individual, but the enquiries in relation to any of the matters in paragraphs 3 to 6 of Schedule 2 are incomplete.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 32 (1)(2)(a)(3)(d)(7)(a))* 04/09/2020

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Requirement Due date

*These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

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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.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1253623 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: The Spring Children’s and Transitional Care Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 9 Grenville Drive, Birmingham, Warwickshire B23 7YX

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Blessing Manyara

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Inspectors

Michelle Spruce, social care inspector Mr Karol Keenan, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1253623 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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