Children's Home run by Pilgrims Corner Limited in Kent

Assurance visit report: SC473877 1 SC473877

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Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to accommodate two children. It is one of four homes operated by a privately owned organisation. The home shares a manager with a similar-sized home which is situated nearby. The company also owns a separately registered school, which children living in the homes may attend.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager post has been vacant since November 2019.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 19 November 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. Assurance visit report: SC473877 2

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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.

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The care of children

Children are happy at this home. They benefit from consistent boundaries and a staff team that clearly understands their needs. Children can express what they want to do and where they want to go, and they know that staff will be responsive.

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The care of children

Staff support the children to keep in touch with the people who are important to them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have successfully used technology to enable children to communicate with their families, and one parent spoke positively about this experience.

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The care of children

Staff promote healthy lifestyles for the children and are clear about the children’s need to socialise and develop friendships. They support the children to be involved in a range of activities that create opportunities for them to make friends, such as going to a skate park or trampoline centre.

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The care of children

Children benefit from a staff team that understands their health needs. Staff are responsive to children’s complex health needs and have sought professional advice when necessary, including requesting medication reviews when they considered this to be needed. Children also have access to therapeutic input and staff know how to request this.

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The care of children

Staff and education providers work together, ensuring that children continue to learn and make progress in their education. The home was closed for a period during the first nationwide lockdown. When it reopened, the approach of managers and staff to school attendance was proportionate and individualised, taking into account each child’s circumstances. Staff attend education reviews and promote good attendance at school. One parent commented on how caring and nurturing staff are in relation to their child’s education and development.

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The safety of children

Staff demonstrate a good understanding of how to manage risk and keep children safe. Clear and detailed assessments of risk are in place and are reviewed regularly. This forms a strong part of staff practice.

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The safety of children

A strong protocol is in place in relation to children who go missing from the home. Staff understand the protocol and show that they know how to respond. Recent instances of children absconding from the home required staff to work in partnership with a range of agencies, which they managed well.

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The safety of children

Staff understand the potential impact of neglect and abuse on children. They understand trauma and how this can affect behaviour. Staff take steps to learn Assurance visit report: SC473877 3 about a child’s background and they ensure that they read documentation that will enable them to manage children’s behaviours effectively. Staff work together to manage challenging situations and they feel well supported by managers.

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The safety of children

Children develop good and trusting relationships with staff, which leads to a feeling of safety and well-being.

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Leaders and managers

The manager is not yet registered with Ofsted. There is a new staff team with a range of skills and experience. Staff receive regular supervision from the manager and deputy manager. Staff understand the importance of supervision for their continued development. They also receive training that is relevant to the needs of the children in the home. Appropriate training is available to address gaps in skills and knowledge.

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Leaders and managers

The review of children’s plans is consistent and updated as needed. A strong process is in place to ensure all staff are aware of changes in a child’s plan or risk assessment. Because of this, staff feel confident in providing effective care and support to the children.

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Leaders and managers

Positive partnerships are in place. Staff work closely with the local missing persons’ team to ensure a consistent approach. Staff also work well with the organisation’s consultant psychotherapist, who specialises in trauma.

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Leaders and managers

The staff team works collaboratively to provide consistency and stability for the children. Staff agree on who is best to do a task and this ensures that staff skills are fully utilised to meet the needs of the children.

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Leaders and managers

Where children need a higher level of support, the manager ensures that suitably qualified and skilled staff provide this care.

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Leaders and managers

Leaders and managers have responded effectively to the requirement made at the home’s last inspection. As a result, there have been improvements in risk management. Assurance visit report: SC473877 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pilgrims Corner Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 185 Sea Street, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 8JY

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Inspector

Vevene Muhammad, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC473877 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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Inspector

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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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