Children's Home run by Cornerways Care Limited in Hertfordshire

Information about this children’s home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to two children who present with challenging and complex behaviours. The manager was registered with Ofsted in January 2020.

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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: 2491062 2

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The care of children

The staff and children have worked together to build structure into the day. The children said that the staff have taken part in lots of activities with them and that they have spent good-quality time with the staff.

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The care of children

During the inspection, the inspector observed lovely interactions between the staff and the children. This shows that the children have safe, trusting relationships with the staff.

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The care of children

One child moved into the home prior to the school summer holidays. She has been fully involved in looking at schools for September 2020. The staff have set up an education timetable for her in the meantime. Another child has been engaging with a combination of school and home education. This child said that she is pleased to be back at school.

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The care of children

The children, when appropriate, have kept in touch with their families. This has helped the children to maintain positive relationships with people who are important to them.

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The care of children

The staff have been proactive in helping the children to understand COVID-19 and the impact that this has had on them. The children have made posters for the house to remind staff and visitors to observe government guidelines.

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The safety of children

The staff have been proactive to ensure that the children understand the risks posed by the pandemic. The children said that this has made them feel safe because they have a better understanding of COVID-19.

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The safety of children

The staff continue to safeguard the children. Comprehensive risk assessments are in place and incorporate consideration of COVID-19. A specific risk assessment for the home has been implemented and regularly updated.

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The safety of children

Professionals said that the children are safe because staff understand the potential risks for children and manage these well.

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The safety of children

The children said that staff listen to them if they have a complaint. The children attend regular house meetings to discuss things that are worrying or concerning them.

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The safety of children

The manager thoroughly investigated a concern about a member of staff. However, she did not inform the social worker, designated officer or responsible individual before starting the investigation. This is not in line with safeguarding processes. Assurance visit report: 2491062 3

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Leaders and managers

A consistent staff team has been in place during the pandemic. This has ensured that positive, safe relationships with the children have been maintained.

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Leaders and managers

Comprehensive monitoring of the home is in place. The staff receive regular, good- quality supervision that supports them to work with children effectively and to develop their practice.

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Leaders and managers

The staff have undertaken the organisation’s mandatory training and some face-to- face training has begun. However, the manager is the only member of staff who has a relevant level 3 qualification. This means that the staff do not have the relevant qualifications to work at the children’s home. The manager and responsible individual are in the process of recruiting staff who hold the relevant qualifications.

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Leaders and managers

The requirement from the last inspection has been repeated and another made.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has met both previous recommendations.

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Statutory requirements

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

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Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies. (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(vii)) 25/09/2020

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to— 12/11/2020 Assurance visit report: 2491062 4 ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child; and

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child. (Regulation 13(1)(a)(b)(2)(c)(e))

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cornerways Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Eastway Enterprise Centre, 7 Paynes Park, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1EH

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Inspector

Trish Palmer, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 2491062 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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