Children's Home run by Brythan House Limited in Leicestershire

Information about this children’s home

This is a privately owned children’s home. The home cares for four young people who may have emotional and behavioural difficulties. There is a registered school on the same grounds. Young people can receive education from this school if this is assessed as suitable to meet their needs. The manager has been registered since the home opened in 2017.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 18 November 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:  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: 1260700 2

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The care of children

All of the young people are happy and settled in the home.

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The care of children

The environment is nurturing and fun. There is a cheerful atmosphere, with laughter and singing. Young people are very relaxed around staff. Young people always have a trusted adult to talk to about their worries and problems.

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The care of children

Young people are extremely positive about their care. Their comments include: ‘I’ve completely changed,’ ‘Staff have refused to give up on me,’ and ‘I give it 10 out of 10.’

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The care of children

Staff speak very highly of young people. They value each young person for their unique personality. Staff let young people know how proud they are of the progress they make. This helps young people to grow in confidence and become more resilient.

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The care of children

Young people’s education has not been affected by the pandemic. The home’s attached school has remained open. Young people received stability at a time that was potentially worrying and stressful for them during the pandemic. One young person told the inspector: ‘I thought it was wonderful that they still taught us as usual. The place is amazing.’

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The safety of children

When a staff member did not pass on some important safeguarding information promptly, their mistake was picked up very quickly.

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The safety of children

Staff at every level demonstrate a thorough knowledge of safeguarding and child protection. They are all now all fully aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.

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The safety of children

Staff receive safeguarding training. However, records relating to staff induction into the home’s safeguarding procedures are not clear. The lack of clarity could lead to a lack of understanding. New staff may not know how to follow the home’s procedures if this is not put right.

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The safety of children

The very positive and trusting relationships between staff and young people improve the safety of young people. Staff quickly identify if a young person is upset. They provide very good support to young people who are distressed.

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The safety of children

When serious incidents happen, appropriate action is taken to protect young people. For example, when young people go missing, staff take action to ensure their safe return.

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The safety of children

Young people are supported well to manage their behaviour and they develop effective strategies to manage their anger. Assurance visit report: 1260700 3

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Leaders and managers

Everyone speaks highly of the registered manager. She is supported by a very capable deputy manager. Together, they lead a ‘family like’ culture. They are good role models for both staff and young people.

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Leaders and managers

Healthy debate is encouraged within the staff team. This approach works well because it encourages a positive safeguarding culture.

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Leaders and managers

Leaders developed good plans to respond to the pandemic. Effective use of technology meant that young people could continue contacting people important to them. Young people were kept engaged in activities and the school remained open. Also, an additional budget meant that they could take advantage of online shopping, which they all really enjoyed.

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Leaders and managers

All of the shortfalls identified at the last visit have been addressed. As a result, managers have considerably improved the home. Clear plans are in place to ensure that this improvement continues.

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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

Ensure that each employee completes an appropriate induction. (Regulation 33 (1)(a))

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Requirement Due date

This is in relation to the home’s safeguarding procedures. 16/11/2020

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must prepare and implement a policy which—

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Requirement Due date

is intended to safeguard children accommodated in the children’s home from abuse or neglect; and

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Requirement Due date

sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect.

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Requirement Due date

The procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect must, in particular— 16/11/2020 Assurance visit report: 1260700 4 provide for records to be kept of an allegation of abuse or neglect, and the action taken in response. (Regulation 34(2)(d))

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Brythan House Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2 Merus Court, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1RJ

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Jennifer Collighan

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Inspectors

Caroline Brailsford, Social Care Inspector Philip Cass, Regional Inspection Manager Assurance visit report: 1260700 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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