Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in West Northamptonshire

Assurance visit report: SC456719 1 SC456719

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is privately owned. It cares for up to five young people who may have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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.

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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: SC456719 2

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The care of children

Placement matching has been carefully considered at the point of each young person’s admission. However, in one instance, as children’s behaviour changed and escalated it became clear that they were no longer suitably matched. As the situation developed, staff and managers made good decisions. One young person had to move out of their home, but the manager and staff did not give up on them easily. The placement ending was still positive.

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The care of children

Young people have made some very good progress, even during the unsettled period. For example, one young person progressed so well that she was able to make a good transition into a placement that will support her move into independence. This is extremely good progress from her starting point. One staff member said, ‘I cannot believe the turnaround.’

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The care of children

Young people have good relationships with staff. They engage well and receive the help they need. Young people are happy living in their home. There is a family-like atmosphere. The inspector observed children, staff and managers congregating in the kitchen, cooking and chatting.

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The care of children

Therapeutic support, as set out in the home’s statement of purpose, has not always been available. However, this is being resolved by the recruitment of new therapeutic professionals.

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The safety of children

Young people are safe. After a brief period of instability, the home has once again become significantly more settled. Because the home is generally settled, young people are provided with a sense of security.

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The safety of children

During the period when children’s negative behaviour escalated, staff responded appropriately to violence and aggression directed towards them. When staff were faced with this challenge, they remained positive and continued to look for child- centred solutions. They remained focused on young people’s needs.

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The safety of children

Staff have demonstrated resilience and commitment to young people. When restraint has been necessary, it has been carried out effectively and appropriately. Managers carefully oversee restraint practice in the home to ensure that each restraint is necessary and proportionate.

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The safety of children

Staff are very familiar with safeguarding procedures and always follow them. Staff know what to do if they are worried that a child might be at risk. They also understand the home’s whistle-blowing procedures and are confident to use them if required. This demonstrates that safeguarding training is effective. Assurance visit report: SC456719 3

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Leaders and managers

Leaders have a very good understanding of the home’s strengths and weaknesses. They have made good decisions which allow young people to progress. Leaders have been very committed to the home and are well respected by staff.

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Leaders and managers

Staff are supported well. They receive regular supervision from their line manager. Staff meetings are also used well to provide guidance and reassurance to staff, particularly during challenging periods.

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Leaders and managers

There are several staff vacancies. However, there are enough core staff to manage the current group of two young people. Recruitment continues, and the organisation is not admitting any young people at this stage. Staff have worked together well. They have provided consistency of care to young people.

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Leaders and managers

When there are shortfalls in a staff member’s practice, leaders deal with this properly. Staff are always supported, but protecting young people is the priority.

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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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Inspector

Caroline Brailsford, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC456719 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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