Children's Home run by Bristol City Council in Bristol

Assurance visit report: SC034211 1 SC034211

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Information about this children’s home

This local authority children’s home is registered for up to three children, aged up to 18 years, with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The current manager is in the process of submitting his application to register with Ofsted.

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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:  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: SC034211 2

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The care of children

Since the last inspection, there is a new manager and a new staff team at this home. Two children have recently moved in. Staff ensure children’s moves are well planned, through visits with family and meetings with former carers. Children enjoy going for meals out to welcome them.

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The care of children

Staff provide a warm and homely environment. For example, staff have decorated for Halloween, sit with children to settle them to sleep and provide children with their favourite pyjamas to help with bedtime routines.

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The care of children

Managers and staff welcome parents to the home. For example, one parent who is Polish regularly visits and helps cook the child’s favourite meals. Staff speak with parents frequently, and this enables children to retain family links and their identity.

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The safety of children

Staff keep children safe. There have been no safeguarding incidents or allegations since the last inspection. Children have not been missing from this home. Children understand the risks posed to them from COVID-19 and are encouraged to practise good hygiene.

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The safety of children

Staff respond calmly to incidents of aggression and reassure children to improve their relationships. The manager is supporting staff to improve how to manage significant incidents and to reduce them. Subsequently, there has been one incident of low-level physical restraint, which was effectively managed.

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Leaders and managers

The current manager is in the process of applying to register with Ofsted. Staff speak positively about the manager’s support and positive attitude. Staff shared that they love working at this home.

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Leaders and managers

Social workers shared exceptionally positive feedback about the compassion and care provided to children. Managers are in regular contact with social workers and have a good working relationship with them.

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Leaders and managers

A recruitment file sampled demonstrated that safer recruitment processes are generally robust. For example, identity checks, references and qualification checks are in place. However, a check for a staff member from abroad was not in place. This could pose a risk to children if checks are not consistently completed for staff outside of the United Kingdom.

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Statutory requirements

Assurance visit report: SC034211 3 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

The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety.

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Requirement Due date

employ an individual to work at the children’s home; or

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Requirement Due date

if an individual is employed by a person other than the registered person to work at the home in a position in which the individual may have regular contact with children, allow that individual to work at the home,

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Requirement Due date

if the individual satisfies the requirements in paragraph (3).

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Requirement Due date

full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 32 (1)(2)(a)(b)(3)(d)) 31/12/2020

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Bristol City Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Bristol City Council, Director of Legal Services, City Hall, College Green, Bristol, Gloucestershire BS1 5TR

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Inspector

Anna Gravelle, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC034211 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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