Children's Home run by Changing Lives Care Group Ltd in Leicestershire

Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a small private organisation. It is registered with Ofsted to provide care and accommodation for up to three children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in April 2020.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 3 December 2019

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Declined in 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. 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: 2490999 2

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The care of children

Young people receive good-quality care based on their individual needs. They have positive relationships with staff, who they trust and feel safe with. Staff treat young people with respect and they know that staff have their best interests at heart. Young people understand why staff need to implement clear structures and boundaries.

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The care of children

Young people have coped admirably during the COVID 19 restrictions and against all odds have made some progress. One young person’s behaviour has improved, and the number of incidents reduced. Staff have understood the additional emotional impact that the restrictions have had on the young people and have supported them very well. Staff have worked hard during the COVID restrictions to ensure that young people have still been able to access activities they enjoy.

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The care of children

Engagement in education by young people has been variable. One young person has continued to engage in home tutoring and has made sufficient progress to start a transition to an alternative school provision. This improves the young person’s life chances. Staff are giving them emotional support with their anxieties about returning to a school setting. Despite the best efforts of staff, some young people’s engagement in education and training has been sporadic.

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The safety of children

Staff understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding young people. They have managed a range of safeguarding issues and they know the young people very well.

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The safety of children

Young people’s care plans, safety plans and behaviour management plans are detailed and are regularly reviewed. Partner agencies play an integral part in the care planning process.

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The safety of children

Staff have managed some very difficult situations, including high incidents of self- harming and aggressive behaviours. Staff have worked collaboratively with partner agencies to try and provide the best and safest care for young people. Feedback from health professionals is very positive about the staff team. Health professionals praised staff for their tenacity in managing very complex behaviours and for not giving up on young people.

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Leaders and managers

The leadership and management of the home have continued to improve despite the constraints of the COVID-19 restrictions. The requirements made at the previous inspection have all been addressed. Assurance visit report: 2490999 3 A key factor in these improvements has been the implementation of a range of effective management monitoring checks. This means that any shortfalls identified are addressed quickly to ensure that young people’s needs are met.

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Leaders and managers

Young people have benefited from the improved leadership and management. This is because they are now cared for by a stable and committed team of staff who know how to provide good-quality and consistent care. Staff have shown commitment, compassion and resilience during these challenging times.

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Leaders and managers

Staff are very well supported by managers and feel respected and listened to. Staff know what is expected of them both individually and as a team. They have received a range of training, mainly online due to the COVID-19 restrictions, and they receive regular supervision.

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Leaders and managers

There are no requirements or recommendations made from this visit.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Changing Lives Care Group Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Office 7, 35 to 37 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JN

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Inspector

Katarina Djordjevic, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 2490999 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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