Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Halton

Assurance visit report: SC457175 1 SC457175

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home is registered to provide care and accommodation for one child who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered in February 2020 and also manages another home within the company.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Declined in effectiveness

p.1

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).

p.1

Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

p.1

Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

p.1

Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

p.1

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.

p.1

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: SC457175 2

p.1

The care of children

The young person is working well towards achieving his education targets and receives positive support to help him overcome previous barriers to learning. Staff worked tirelessly to arrange a suitable school placement when he moved into the home, and he now has 100% attendance and is working towards GCSEs. The young person worked well on a one-to-one basis with staff during lockdown, and this had a positive impact on his confidence in education.

p.2

The care of children

The young person enjoys a trusting relationship with staff, which has had a positive impact on his physical and emotional health. The young person said, ‘Staff treat me with respect and help me with everything.’ With the team’s support and encouragement, the young person has engaged with counselling services and continues to attend boxing sessions. This has helped to increase his self-confidence and improved his emotional well-being.

p.2

The care of children

The young person’s care plans outline preparation for the future and independence. Following suitable collaborative working with the social worker and independent reviewing officer, the staff and young person work hard to follow the plans in practice.

p.2

The care of children

The young person benefits from individualised care and support. There are good routines in place and opportunities for the young person to be involved in the day- to-day arrangements in the home. For example, the home employed a male worker following the young person’s views being listened to, regarding having a male role model in the home.

p.2

The safety of children

The home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered to ensure that the young person is safe and protected from harm. For example, the home is routinely assessed for potential risks and hazards, and harmful objects are removed in line with individual risk management plans. The young person has shown maturity towards managing the COVID-19 restrictions and is encouraged by the home to follow safety guidelines.

p.2

The safety of children

The team has worked hard to help the young person in the home to understand the effects of drug misuse and gang-related crime. The young person was supported to access training online and described how this has helped inform his understanding and maturity. As a result, the young person no longer misuses drugs, can easily identify the harm caused by such a habit and knows how to keep himself safe in the future.

p.2

The safety of children

Staff have not had to use physical restraint, and sanctions are rare. This is because of the positive, trusting relationships in the home and the use of positive reward. Assurance visit report: SC457175 3 Furthermore, this has led to the young person feeling a sense of belonging and stability.

p.2

The safety of children

Robust safer recruitment practices are in place in the home, enhancing the young person’s safety and welfare. For example, managers have been trained in safer caring, and new staff members follow an induction programme and shadowing opportunities.

p.3

Leaders and managers

The home continues to be managed by a permanent, efficient manager who also manages another of the company’s homes. She is well supported by a deputy manager, and together they continue to be strong advocates for the young person. In particular, the manager has challenged local authority plans when they have not been in the young person’s best interests or go against his wishes. For example, managers advocated on behalf of the young person for him to remain in his current placement. This resulted in the young person being referred to an independent advocate and his views being heard. His plan is now to remain in the home until he feels ready for independence.

p.3

Leaders and managers

The young person is being cared for by a strong staff team that is suitably qualified and demonstrates a commitment to the young person’s needs. Considering the COVID-19 outbreak, the team works hard to ensure that the young person’s care remains consistent. The team members work together to cover any staff absences and avoid the use of agency workers. As a result, the young person spoke highly of the consistent support he continues to receive.

p.3

Leaders and managers

All staff spoke positively about the support they receive from the manager. Staff continue to access a variety of training, including online training. This enables staff to understand the potential, and actual, impact of the young person’s previous experiences. One member of staff said that online clinical training and advice from the clinical psychologist was particularly useful in supporting the young person.

p.3

Leaders and managers

The manager undertakes regular monitoring of the service. She oversees children’s plans and ensures that the young person is consulted. For example, during the pandemic when the young person could no longer attend his weekly boxing session, one room in the home was converted into a mini-gym and online meetings with his boxing coach were set up. This helped support the young person’s physical and emotional well-being.

p.3

Leaders and managers

The requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met.

p.3

Leaders and managers

No requirements or recommendations are made following this visit. Assurance visit report: SC457175 4

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Ltd

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Cambian Childcare Ltd, Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG

p.4

Inspectors

Tracy Mese, Social Care Inspector Dawn Parton, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC457175 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.

p.4

Inspectors

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspectors

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspectors

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.5

Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.5