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Assurance visit report: SC457501 1 SC457501

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is registered to provide care and accommodation for three young people who require support with their emotional and/or behavioural care needs. It is operated by a national provider of children’s homes.

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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:

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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: SC457501 2

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The care of children

Staff are positive about the young people they care for and want what is best for them. Young people’s emotional needs are a priority and central to the care they receive. Staff understand how previous trauma influences learning, opportunities and behaviour. A therapeutic holistic approach engages young people and improves their emotional well- being.

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The care of children

Specialist resources are available, where needed, to support young people. Good use of consultation improves staff’s understanding and informs care planning.

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The care of children

Some young people are unhappy about living far away from those who are important to them. Families and friends visit the house. Young people spend time with friends, including those who live a long distance away.

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The care of children

Young people have school placements. Education continued during the initial COVID-19 restrictive period. Schools provided recourses and some lessons on video communication systems. Cooking and garden activities were also increased to supplement learning opportunities. Young people also enjoy many extra-curricular activities, such as contemporary dance and body boarding.

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The care of children

Young people help to compile and agree their care plans and risk assessments. They have also chosen many aspects of the recent improvements to the home and gardens.

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The safety of children

Most young people have experienced several different homes in a short space of time. This home provides them with much needed stability and a resilient staff team who understand challenging behaviour.

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The safety of children

Risk assessments are up to date and shared with young people. Young people make steady progress and are reducing engagement in risk-taking behaviours.

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The safety of children

Young people are supported to make sense of their emotions and are managing them better. Discussion with staff and young people following incidents promotes understanding and positive behaviour. The use of physical intervention is rare.

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The safety of children

Complaints are taken seriously. Young people know how to make a complaint and have access to a number of independent adults they can talk to.

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The safety of children

Staff follow government guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep people safe.

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The safety of children

Young people rarely go missing. Individual plans agreed by professional stakeholders guide staff to appropriate action. Assurance visit report: SC457501 3

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Leaders and managers

A qualified registered manager is in place. The strengths and weakness of the service are understood. Shortfalls identified at the previous inspection have been resolved.

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Leaders and managers

A development plan is in place with short-, medium- and long-term goals for improvement. Tasks divided amongst the staff build on people’s strengths and skills.

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Leaders and managers

Work in partnership with specialist professionals enhances the support available to the young people. Social workers are complimentary of the care provided to the young people and the quality of communication from the home.

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Leaders and managers

The training and supervision provided to staff equips them to do their job. The manager deals with poor performance and staff are clear about their role and responsibilities.

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Leaders and managers

Staff have a childcare qualification or are being supported to complete one. Additional qualifications amongst the staff team complement their current roles.

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Leaders and managers

Independent reviews and organisational audits of the home provided extra assurance about the quality of care.

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Leaders and managers

Not all records are signed by staff or the manager. Because of this, the manager cannot assure herself that staff have all the information they require.

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Recommendations

 Staff should be familiar with the home’s policies on record-keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording. (Guide to the children’s homes regulations Page 62, paragraph 14.4) In particular, ensure records are signed and dated.

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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 Ltd, Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Nicola McClements

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Julie Bellamy Assurance visit report: SC457501 4

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Inspector

Janice Hawtin, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC457501 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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