Children's home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Hammersmith and Fulham

Assurance visit report: SC434806 1 SC434806

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Information about this children’s home

This home provides care and accommodation for three children who need stability following previous family or placement breakdowns. The home is privately owned. The registered manager has been registered for this home since April 2019.

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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: SC434806 2

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The care of children

Children are well cared for. They have trusted relationships with staff, including the manager. The ethos of the home is that children are listened to and their views respected. One professional said that this philosophy ‘shines through all staff’.

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The care of children

Children’s views are sought about how the home is run. Children play an active part in making suggestions and in making changes to the home. Children recently decorated both bathrooms.

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The care of children

All children are in education. Staff support children with their education and work closely with education settings. This means that for some children their school attendance has significantly improved.

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The care of children

Staff know the children very well. They speak confidently and compassionately about the children. Staff focus on finding the unique incentive or motivator for each child and use this to promote positive behaviour. An example of this is identifying goals with children and rewarding good progress.

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The care of children

Staff engage children in helpful discussions about the future, and do not only focus on the here and now. For example, staff talk to children about their long-term future and help them take steps to get to where they want to be. Some children are working towards semi-independence and staff help them to learn about shopping and cooking. Children are helped to understand why they need to go to appointments they find difficult, such as sexual health screening.

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The safety of children

A strength of the home is that staff have high expectations, set clear boundaries and enforce the boundaries consistently. This helps to build trusting relationships. One professional noted that the home does not make false promises to the children.

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The safety of children

Staff know how to keep children safe; the training helps staff to do this. The risks to children are clearly identified and documented, as are the actions to manage the risks. Risk assessments are updated following any incidents and discussed in team meetings.

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The safety of children

Staff are good at spotting the signs that children’s behaviour is changing. They take action to prevent behaviours escalating into more serious risk taking. Staff use key- work sessions to talk to children about the risks they take and help them understand the consequences of their behaviour.

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The safety of children

There have been two incidents of restraint with children since 1 April 2020. Staff know how to de-escalate situations with children. They understand the triggers for children and respond in a caring and supportive manner. Assurance visit report: SC434806 3

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Leaders and managers

The manager and the team go above and beyond to support children, even when they present with significant risk-taking behaviour. The team demonstrates a determined commitment to understanding children and trying to find the best way to help them.

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Leaders and managers

Staff feel well supported by the manager and their colleagues. Morale is good in the home and there is a culture of open reflective practice. One member of staff said, ‘I love working here. It’s brilliant.’

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Leaders and managers

The induction and ongoing training programme mean that staff have the skills and knowledge to help the children. Regular team meetings and supervisions allow time for them as a group and individuals to reflect on and develop their practice.

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Leaders and managers

The manager regularly reviews the operation of the home. Feedback from involved agencies is consistently positive. Professionals feel that children make good progress, are well cared for and safe.

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Leaders and managers

All requirements and recommendations from the previous inspection in July 2019 have been met.

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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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Inspectors

Alison Marshall, Social Care Inspector Caroline Brailsford, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC434806 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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