Children's home run by Happy Group (UK) Limited

Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 18 December 2019

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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.

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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: 1236625 2

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The care of children

The children at this home are settled. Children have trusting relationships with staff, who have a good understanding of their needs.

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The care of children

Children have been supported to make significant progress in a short length of time. Children who have previously not engaged in education are now engaged. A social worker said, ‘The progress we have seen here has not been seen in the many previous placements. It is fantastic.’

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The care of children

Arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff feel well supported and children have coped well with the situation. Despite initial concerns, staff feel that the time has been positive for themselves and the children. Relationships have thrived during this time.

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The care of children

Children have been busy taking part in a variety of activities, including learning independent living skills. The children benefit from nurturing care. They enjoy fun interactions with staff and each other.

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The care of children

Children are supported to see people who matter to them. Plans are monitored and reviewed appropriately in line with children’s well-being. The manager acts as a strong advocate for children’s rights. Children share their views on a regular basis. Children know how to complain and report feeling comfortable to do so.

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The safety of children

Staff understand how to manage risks and keep children safe. Children can describe the risks associated with COVID-19. They explain the work that staff have done with them to help them to keep safe.

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The safety of children

The positive relationships between staff and children have helped to reduce the number of incidents. Children who have previously placed themselves at risk by going missing from the home have been well supported to stop missing episodes.

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The safety of children

Staff are clear about the risks associated with children’s online activity. Safety measures are in place and regularly reviewed. Staff engage children well so that they develop a good understanding of how to stay safe online.

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The safety of children

Staff have continued to engage in training about safeguarding. New staff have been well supported to understand the potential impact of abuse and neglect on children’s behaviour. Assurance visit report: 1236625 3

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Leaders and managers

The home now has an experienced registered manager who is supported by a newly appointed deputy manager. The registered manager is a good role model and mentor. The manager has fully addressed shortfalls identified at the last inspection.

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Leaders and managers

Staff report significant improvements in the running of the home since the registered manager has taken up his post. Staff have good supervision arrangements and say that they are well supported. During the pandemic, staff have worked well together, providing stability and a sense of security for children.

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Leaders and managers

Stakeholder feedback confirms that children have made significant progress in the relatively short length of time that they have lived at the home.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Happy Group (UK) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: West Walk House, 99 Princess Road East, Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 7LF

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Inspector

Bev Allison, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 1236625 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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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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