Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Cambridgeshire

Assurance visit report: SC456846 1 SC456846

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Information about this children’s home

This privately run home provides support, education and care for up to three children who may have experienced neglect, abuse or trauma that has left them vulnerable. The manager of the home was registered with Ofsted in May 2019.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 3 December 2019

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Improved effectiveness

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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: SC456846 2

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The care of children

The children are thriving because of the high-quality care that the staff provide. The children said that the staff really care about them. The children recognise the progress that they have made, and they feel safe and happy at the home. The children’s parents and social workers echoed these views. They can see the difference that living at the home has made and that the children have turned their lives around.

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The care of children

The children all attend education. For some children, this gives them a good routine, builds their knowledge and extends their peer groups. However, the manager has identified that for one child the provision is not good enough and has been proactive in escalating her concerns to the placing authority and the school. The staff recognise the importance of supporting the children’s education at the home, and they work closely with the children’s teachers and social workers. This helps the children to feel secure and positive about their future.

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The care of children

During lockdown, the children thoroughly enjoyed spending time at the home. The staff provided many of the activities that the children enjoy. They held fitness nights and bought extra art materials and games that reflect the children’s diverse interests.

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The care of children

Most of the children live a considerable distance from their family homes. Seeing their families is extremely important to them and requires forward planning. The manager is committed to making sure that these arrangements work well and has ensured that the staff prioritise the children’s family visits.

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The care of children

The staff are sensitive to the children’s wishes and feelings. They offer regular opportunities for the children to participate in decisions about the running of the home. This is most noticeable in the communal areas, where children have made decisions on the use of the communal space, the layout and decor. Children’s bedrooms are clean, comfortable and individualised. Good upkeep and care of the environment help the children to take pride in their home.

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The safety of children

The staff work with each child to understand their past experiences and how these experiences affect current behaviours. Using a therapeutic approach, the staff celebrate the children’s successes and speak to them with compassion when their behaviour falls short of expectations. Consequently, there is very little use of restraints or sanctions.

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The safety of children

The staff have cultivated a nurturing ethos, which has enabled the children to ask for help when needed. A child has recently experienced a bereavement. The manager ensured that access to specialist support was available for the staff and the children. Working together with the child’s social worker, the staff planned a memorial walk and raised money for a local charity, in accordance with the child’s Assurance visit report: SC456846 3 wishes. This has enabled the children to creatively and positively channel their feelings of loss.

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The safety of children

The staff know the children well. The children’s risk assessments are up to date and individualised. The staff have recorded detailed overviews of the children’s behaviours. The staff clearly record the children’s progress in risk reduction.

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The safety of children

The staff manage safeguarding matters swiftly and accurately. The manager promptly liaises with relevant professionals. The staff communicate well with the children and their families to keep them informed. The staff’s actions keep children safe.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has been in post since January 2019. She is committed to ensuring that the children’s individual needs are at the centre of her practice. She is a strong advocate for the children and strives to help them to meet their potential. This approach has enabled excellent outcomes for the children. Some of the children have been able to significantly reduce their medication intake, attend mainstream school and re-establish relationships with their families.

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Leaders and managers

The manager inspires the staff team by positively modelling her practice. She is available to guide the staff when needed. Consequently, the staff feel supported. They work together well and have a strong work ethic. The children benefit from a stable, permanent staff team.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has undertaken regular planning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and regularly updates the staff with the most recent developments. Staff clearly understand these plans and implement them well.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has strong monitoring and reviewing processes in place. She uses external reviews and internal records to establish an informed view about the strengths and weaknesses of the home. The manager holds debriefs and discussions with the staff and uses any learning to make continual improvements. The manager has met the requirement from the last inspection and continues to drive improvement. Assurance visit report: SC456846 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Cambian Childcare Limited, Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1AG

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Inspectors

Leemya McKeown, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC456846 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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Inspectors

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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: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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