Children's home run by Keir Lock Children’s Homes Ltd in Wakefield

Assurance visit report: SC482415 1 SC482415

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Information about this children’s home

A private company owns this home. It is registered to provide care for four children or young people for a short-, medium- or long-term period.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been in post for nine months and is an experienced manager.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 20 August 2018

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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.

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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. Assurance visit report: SC482415 2

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The care of children

Children and young people receive a good standard of care. They benefit from routines and boundaries, which provides them with stability in a homely environment. Children and young people say that they feel safe and secure and have developed positive relationships with the dedicated staff team.

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The care of children

Children and young people access regular key-work sessions with staff, where they can express their wishes and feelings. They attend monthly meetings where they help to plan menus and activities and share their views on the running of the home.

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The care of children

Staff have worked creatively during lockdown to support children and young people in accessing positive activities in the home and in the community, for example baking, cooking and playing games. These activities have helped to strengthen relationships in the home.

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The care of children

The children and young people have stayed in touch with their families and friends. Staff have been proactive in facilitating this by making good use of video and telephone calls. As COVID-19 restrictions have eased, normal family visits have resumed.

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The care of children

The children and young people know that their education is important. The staff help them to understand this. During lockdown, the staff have continued to support children and young people’s education, using a variety of resources. Because of this, the children and young people have continued to learn and develop.

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The care of children

Staff are helping children and young people to understand the impact of COVID-19. This helps to ease some of the anxieties that the children and young people have experienced during the pandemic.

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The safety of children

Children and young people respond well to the clear and consistent expectations, rules and boundaries implemented by the staff. This assists children and young people to feel safe and secure.

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The safety of children

Staff proactively promote the safety and well-being of children and young people. They have an excellent understanding of their specific needs and vulnerabilities and take appropriate action to address them.

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The safety of children

Behaviour management plans and risk assessments are comprehensive. They are reviewed in consultation with the manager and psychologist in monthly meetings. This means that risks associated with the children and young people are well known and understood by staff. As a result, children and young people are supported and better protected.

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The safety of children

Staff use incentives and rewards to support the children and young people to begin to manage their emotions. This leads to an environment of positive praise. This Assurance visit report: SC482415 3 helps the children and young people to begin to manage and self-regulate their own feelings and behaviours.

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The safety of children

Staff have access to training, monthly meetings and consultations with the therapist which enable them to develop their practice. Staff access positive support to help them meet the care needs of the children and young people.

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Leaders and managers

The manager and deputy manager are enthusiastic about their work. They provide staff with clear purpose and direction that challenges them to improve the life chances, experiences and outcomes for young people.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has made decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic to help safeguard and reduce the risks to staff, children and young people, in line with COVID-19 government guidelines. All health and safety matters within the home are addressed effectively. This promotes a safe environment for the children and young people.

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Leaders and managers

New admissions to the home are well planned. The manager works in partnership with other professionals to ensure that children and young people can experience a positive transition in and out of the home.

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Leaders and managers

The manager and deputy manager provide comprehensive inductions, training, supervision and development opportunities. This leads to staff being motivated, which contributes to the positive experiences of the children and young people in their care.

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Leaders and managers

The manager advocates for the children and young people and challenges agencies and placing authorities when information is not shared, or services are not provided in a timely manner. This ensures that agencies understand their professional responsibilities. Assurance visit report: SC482415 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Keir Lock Children’s Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Thompsons Yard, New Street, Ossett, West Yorkshire WF5 8BH

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Inspector

Noel Cooper, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC482415 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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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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