Children's Home, Residential special school run by Cotswold Chine School in Gloucestershire

Assurance visit report: SC030367 1 SC030367

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Information about this children’s home

This independent charitable school is also registered as a children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for a maximum of 42 children. The accommodation for children is provided across nine houses located on or near to the school.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been registered with Ofsted since May 2017.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 21 January 2020

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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: SC030367 2

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The care of children

Children receive warm and nurturing care from a consistent staff team that understands their needs and past experiences. Children live in comfortable homes with a welcoming atmosphere.

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The care of children

Staff help children to talk about their emotions and mental health through child- friendly sessions. Staff enable children to access activities and strategies to help reduce their worries about sleeping, friendships and family and carers.

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The care of children

Staff have worked creatively and tirelessly to engage children in meaningful and entertaining activities to keep them busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the cafe has been converted into a gym to encourage fitness and well- being. Children have enjoyed arts and crafts, baking, cycling, concerts, kite making, music competitions, gardening and talent shows.

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The safety of children

Children living at this home are kept safe. Children did not raise any concerns with inspectors during this visit and told an inspector that they feel safe. When children self-harm, staff provide high levels of care and attention to calm and reassure them.

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The safety of children

Managers prioritise children’s welfare when they go missing from the home. Managers follow children, search known locations and collect children to ensure their swift return. Managers have cooperative relationships with local police and retain comprehensive records of safeguarding incidents.

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The safety of children

Staff ensure that incidents of challenging and aggressive behaviour are dealt with sensitively and calmly. Physical restraint is used as a last resort. Managers have thorough oversight of incidents and ensure that they are well recorded. Managers prioritise talking with children after incidents.

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Leaders and managers

Leaders and managers have worked hard to ensure that children’s health and welfare have been prioritised during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders and managers have a robust understanding of incidents and the responsible individual makes time to talk with children to listen to their worries.

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Leaders and managers

During this inspection, staff shared that they enjoy working at this home. Staff feel proud of the creative approaches they have used to ensure that children are safe and have fun.

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Leaders and managers

Social workers spoken to during this inspection spoke highly of the health and care support provided to children. They described managers and staff as approachable and said that they are kept up to date about children’s care. Assurance visit report: SC030367 3 The requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. No requirements or recommendations are made following this visit.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cotswold Chine School

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Inspectors

Anna Gravelle, Social Care Inspector Paula Lahey, Regulatory Inspection Manager Janet Fraser, Senior Her Majesty’s Inspector Assurance visit report: SC030367 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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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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