Children's Home run by Radical Services Limited in Cumberland

Assurance visit report: SC487549 1 SC487549

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Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for four children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is one of several operated by a private provider.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has been without a registered manager since 16 August 2019. The current manager has been in post since February 2020 and has applied to become the home’s registered manager.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Requires improvement to be good

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assurance visit report: SC487549 2

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Findings from the visit

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit.

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The care of children

Children and young people enjoy excellent relationships with staff, who are nurturing and show them considerable emotional warmth. Because of this, children and young people have found stability in this home. Children and young people speak very fondly of staff and have a real sense of belonging in this home.

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The care of children

Staff value education and have been proactive in maintaining regular contact with children’s schools until they were able to return. Staff have actively supported children and young people’s learning within the home. Children and young people have benefited from resources obtained from teaching staff, the use of online teaching sessions and practical projects carried out at the home.

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The care of children

Staff have kept young people busy during lockdown to minimise the impact of government restrictions. Children and young people have worked alongside staff to develop a creative art studio in an old outbuilding. They have also had fun gardening and refurbishing their summer house to provide an alternative place to relax.

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The care of children

Children and young people have a voice in this home and know that they are listened to. Well-attended weekly house meetings and personal time with key staff mean that children have regular opportunities to discuss the things and issues that are important to them.

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The care of children

Children and young people fully understand the health risks associated with the current pandemic. Staff have been sensitive in the information they have provided, making sure they understand good preventative measures without heightening their anxiety.

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The care of children

Children and young people have been able to stay in touch with those people who are significant in their lives. Staff have encouraged the use of online technology and facilitated some visits in accordance with government guidance.

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The safety of children

Staff have a clear understanding of children and young people’s individual risks and how to keep them safe. Risk management planning is effective and clearly tracks children and young people’s progress.

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The safety of children

Children and young people understand the potential consequences of their behaviours and how to minimise and avoid harm. This is because children and young people are encouraged to participate fully in their safety planning. Assurance visit report: SC487549 3 Children’s risk-taking behaviours have dramatically reduced. The positive relationships shared between staff, children and young people are clearly instrumental in this. There haven’t been any episodes of children or young people going missing from the home or other significant incidents for this current group of children and young people. This is a sign of considerable progress for some.

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The safety of children

Children and young people know how to protect their health and the health of others during the pandemic. Regular handwashing, use of antibacterial products and social distancing are understood and practised at the home.

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The safety of children

Children and young people understand and accept the rules and boundaries that exist to promote their well-being and safety. Staff’s skill in using a therapeutic parenting approach in practice has significantly improved the way information is communicated and received.

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Leaders and managers

The home has been without a registered manager for over a year. Despite the company quickly appointing another manager to the home, this person left in January 2020, withdrawing their application for registration with Ofsted.

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Leaders and managers

The current manager has experience as a registered manager, working in one of the company’s other homes. She is a skilful manager who is supported by an able deputy. Staff trust their management and feel that they provide good leadership and include them in decision-making that affects them and the home.

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Leaders and managers

Staff feel well supported. Staff supervision has remained regular throughout this period and staff meetings have taken place on a regular monthly basis. These have provided good opportunities to come together as a team, and to share experiences and work practices that contribute to maintaining a positive atmosphere at the home.

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Leaders and managers

Managers and staff work in close cooperation with placing authorities and other external professionals. This ensures that children and young people’s needs are met and that they are supported to reach their full potential.

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Leaders and managers

Social workers all speak highly of the home and children and young people’s ‘brilliant’ progress and achievements. Some were amazed, and keen to convey how some children and young people had completely ‘thrived’ and ‘flourished’ since coming to this home, particularly during the pandemic lockdown.

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Leaders and managers

The requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have all been met.

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Leaders and managers

No requirements or recommendations are made following this visit. Assurance visit report: SC487549 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Radical Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2 The Calls, Leeds LS2 7JU

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Matthew McFadzean

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Inspector

Gillian Walters, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC487549 5 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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