Children's home run by Fusion College Ltd

Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is operated by a private organisation. Care and accommodation are available for eight girls with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The children’s home comprises two separate houses and there is an independent school on the same site. The post of registered manager has been vacant since 7 September 2020. An interim manager has been in post since 14 September 2020.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 8 January 2020

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Inadequate

p.1

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).

p.1

Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

p.1

Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

p.1

Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

p.1

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.

p.1

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: 2530801 2

p.1

The care of children

Children live in a homely environment. At the start of the pandemic, all four children moved into one house, leaving the other home available should there be a need for isolation. Two children remain living together in one house, while the other home is undergoing the finishing touches to redecoration and refurbishment.

p.2

The care of children

Children benefit from a supportive and caring staff team, which enables meaningful relationships to form. Staff understand the children’s needs and strive to establish their wishes and views. Group discussions identify what activities to arrange and any changes to the home. These forums were used to explain the impact of COVID-19 and why some changes were made. The activity of washing hands with soap and then putting into a bowl of water sprinkled with pepper, representing germs, was very effective to show how the soap repelled the pepper.

p.2

The care of children

Through consultation, a swimming pool was purchased for the garden as community facilities were closed. Bingo, films and music provided entertainment and positive shared experiences between children and staff. As restrictions relaxed, children enjoyed a camping holiday with activities in the sea.

p.2

The care of children

Children maintain contact with their families through the use of video calls and as restrictions permit, they have been able to meet outside in local parks and the garden. One parent says that her daughter’s progress has been amazing lately, despite COVID-19, and that she seems to be really happy at this home.

p.2

The care of children

The independent school on site closed during the lockdown period. Children had video calls with their tutors and staff were present to support them during these lessons. The school is now open and there is a mixed level of engagement with education. One child is very studious and has requested additional lessons. Staff encourage another child, who is reluctant to do schoolwork, to do at least three hours each day. One child who recently moved to another home was supported in securing a place at college this term.

p.2

The safety of children

Safeguarding concerns are managed and documented well; this is a significant improvement since the last inspection. The reporting system enables managers to have oversight of all incidents and ensure the necessary actions are taken. Risk assessments alert staff to the children’s high-risk behaviours and the best strategy for managing these. Social workers and a parent report that children are safe.

p.2

The safety of children

Child protection concerns are reported within statutory timescales. The designated officer confirms that the manager has been very good at notifying him promptly, appropriately and has worked cooperatively in following the advice and guidance provided.

p.2

The safety of children

Staff are suitably trained and have clear plans and protocols to follow if children are Assurance visit report: 2530801 3 at risk of harm and/or going missing from home. Incidents of going missing from home increased as the COVID-19 restrictions eased due to one child wanting to meet up with friends and not returning at the agreed time. When children are missing from the home, staff actively search for them. Staff try to communicate with children through phone calls and text messages to encourage their safe return.

p.2

The safety of children

Restraint is used as a last resort. Four records demonstrate that physical intervention has been minimal and used appropriately to ensure the safety of children and others. Following an intervention, detailed discussions are held with children and staff. On one occasion, a child was not given the opportunity to speak with a senior member of staff who was not involved in the incident. This lack of independence and oversight has resulted in a recommendation being made following this visit.

p.3

Leaders and managers

The provider swiftly appointed an interim manager following the resignation of the registered manager. The interim manager has experience of managing children’s homes and working within a local authority. He is ably supported by a deputy manager, who has provided consistent management support to the staff team.

p.3

Leaders and managers

Staff say they receive good support and enjoy their work. They are supported well through reflective supervision, training and a shared passion to improve.

p.3

Leaders and managers

Leaders and managers have continued to address the failings identified at the full inspection in January 2020. The three monitoring visits undertaken since January report on the improvements and development of this home. Progress is further confirmed through this assurance visit. As a result of these improvements, the requirements and recommendation made at the last inspection are met.

p.3

Leaders and managers

The quality of monitoring care practices has greatly improved, which has resulted in leaders and managers having a good oversight of the running of the home. Streamlined records and the effective use of one electronic log of incidents assist in monitoring the progress and well-being of children. Before leaving, the registered manager completed a reflective review of the quality of care. This review informed the development plan.

p.3

Leaders and managers

The management arrangements in response to COVID-19 are strong. In the early stages of the pandemic, the staff team was rearranged to work continually for 48 hours followed by six to seven days off. This provided continuity of care for children, reduced the number of adults present and therefore reduced the risk of infection.

p.3

Leaders and managers

Complaints are managed appropriately with suitable records maintained. There has been one complaint from a child since the last monitoring visit and effective action was taken.

p.3

Leaders and managers

Social workers and a parent speak well of the care and support that the children receive. One social worker reports that her request to have weekly reports has not Assurance visit report: 2530801 4 been met. Managers acknowledge a breakdown in this communication and arranged to rectify this during this visit. A recommendation is made to address this shortfall.

p.3

Recommendations

 Any child who has been restrained should be given the opportunity to express their feelings about their experience of the restraint as soon as is practicable, ideally within 24 hours of the restraint incident, taking the age of the child and the circumstances of the restraint into account. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the quality standards’ page 49, paragraph 9.60)

p.4

Recommendations

 Effective care planning and strong working relationships between the staff of the home and the placing authority are essential to the success of placements. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the quality standards’ page 56, paragraph 11.2)

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Fusion College Limited

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Rumwell Hall, Rumwell, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1EL

p.4

Inspector

Clare Davies, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 2530801 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.

p.4

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.5

Inspector

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

p.5