Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Nottingham

Assurance visit report: SC457500 1 SC457500

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned. It is registered to care for six young people who have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 10 December 2019

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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:  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: SC457500 2

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The care of children

Young people are comfortable, safe and well cared for. One young person said, ‘It’s good here,’ and they could not think of anything they would like to change.

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The care of children

There is a strong emphasis on supporting young people with their emotional well- being. Young people receive the help and support they need.

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The care of children

Young people have been supported well during the pandemic. They have learned how to protect themselves and to deal with the changing situation. One young person told the inspector, ‘Staff are good at reassuring me.’

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The care of children

There are some strong bonds forming between staff and young people. Young people are able talk to staff about their problems and worries. They willingly accept help, support and guidance.

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The care of children

Young people are supported to develop independence skills. They learn about budgeting, how to cook healthy meals from scratch, and about health and safety.

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The care of children

There have been several staff changes for young people to cope with recently. However, there is always someone around to step in to give young people help, support and comfort.

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The safety of children

Staff know how to protect young people. When there is a safeguarding matter, they liaise with appropriate people. Young people are safe and protected.

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The safety of children

When young people go missing from the home, staff respond in a timely manner and use the home’s procedures appropriately. This supports young people’s safe return. Staff are vigilant in their supervision of young people. They always know where they are.

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The safety of children

Staff are not afraid to broach more difficult and sensitive subject matters with young people, if it means that they will be safer. Young people readily listen to staff and learn about how to protect themselves.

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The safety of children

The manager leads a positive approach to behaviour management. She has recently changed the staff training programme to reflect the intensity of young people’s behaviour.

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The safety of children

Restraints have been necessary to protect individuals. Young people, staff, managers and placing authorities agree that this only happens when necessary. One social worker reported that, over time, a young person’s behaviour has improved. Young people develop strategies so that they can learn how to self-regulate their own behaviour. Assurance visit report: SC457500 3

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Leaders and managers

The manager is highly committed to the home. She has improved the home since the last inspection and has met all the requirements and recommendations. In particular, health and safety are improved.

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Leaders and managers

There have been a great deal of staff changes recently, but the manager has increased the breadth and focus of her monitoring. She carries out spot checks and reassures herself that staff know how to provide good-quality care. She also works alongside staff to model good practice for the newer staff to learn from.

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Leaders and managers

Staff performance is very closely monitored. When issues arise, these are dealt with swiftly and fairly. Staff know where they are with this manager, and she is a strong leader.

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Leaders and managers

The manager is fully engaged in practice. She is the first to step in if a young person is in crisis. She and the deputy manager recently stayed with a young person during a behavioural incident and went with them to hospital. They stayed with the young person all night, despite being exposed to violent behaviour. Managers do not give up on young people easily. They are there when young people need them.

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Leaders and managers

Care is provided by a developing staff team. Their skills are still emerging. Although training has improved since the last inspection, some less experienced staff need more support and development. The programme of training and supervision ensures that staff can learn and develop. The newer staff work with more experienced staff. This means that there is a good level of competence on each shift.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare LTD

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Cambian Child Care LTD, Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1AG

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Inspectors

Caroline Brailsford, Social Care Inspector Alison Marshall, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC457500 4 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: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted

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