Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Derbyshire

Assurance visit report: SC476289 1 SC476289

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Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned. It is registered to care for four children who have emotional and behavioural difficulties or who have suffered trauma in their lives.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 7 January 2020

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Sustained 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: SC476289 2

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The care of children

The home is more settled than it has been for some time. The environment is now happy and safe. Children have made progress in many areas. As staff are supported to become increasingly skilled, their practice is now more consistently in line with the therapeutic model of care that is set out in the home’s statement of purpose. This is having a positive impact on the children. Children have been well supported to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have continued to enjoy their education and social activities. Children are positive about the care they receive. They say that they would not change anything. Other professionals are also complimentary about the quality of care. Children have been able to overhear adults talking about confidential matters in the office. The manager is aware of this and is already taking action to rectify the problem.

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The safety of children

Children are safe and feel safe. Staff understand how to protect them. Children are allowed to take appropriate, managed risks. This helps them to become confident and independent. A child who used to go missing from the home a lot, now goes missing less often. Staff know how to protect him and do all they can to promote his safety. Information about safeguarding has been passed to appropriate agencies in a timely way. Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities. They also now understand how to protect children from being criminally exploited. Children’s behaviour is improving. Staff are developing more effective behaviour management strategies as they grow in confidence. Better record-keeping allows for rigorous management oversight of physical interventions. Staff are reflective and keen to improve their practice further.

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Leaders and managers

A new manager has been in post since June 2020. She has applied to be registered with Ofsted. The manager has made sure that the home has improved since the last inspection. All previous requirements are now met. Her energetic management style is a key factor in the home’s improvement. The manager provides good-quality support and guidance to the staff. Staff feel very positive about her management and value the clear direction that she provides. One member of staff said: ‘I feel well-led.’ Assurance visit report: SC476289 3 Staff turnover continues to be high. However, new staff are well supported by the manager and there is currently little impact on the children. Staff are happier in their work and recent staff changes are seen by children as very positive.

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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 Childcare Limited, Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1AG

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Inspector

Caroline Brailsford, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC476289 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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Inspector

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Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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