Children's home run by The Caldecott Foundation Limited in Ashford

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC065129 1 SC065129

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The Caldecott Foundation Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home can accommodate up to four children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a charitable organisation.

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Information about this children’s home

The current manager, who has been in post since 20 January 2020, has applied to Ofsted to become registered.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit took place as a result of anonymous information received. The information suggested that staff were working excess hours, that children were being unnecessarily restrained and that staff were punitive in their approach. The anonymous complainant also suggested that children’s concerns and complaints were not addressed and that the mix of children in the home had impacted on one child’s progress.

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This monitoring visit

During the visit, the inspector met with children, members of staff and managers, and spoke with social workers via telephone. Numerous records were also examined.

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This monitoring visit

Examination of duty rosters and conversations with members of staff and managers showed that staff are not working excessive hours. Monitoring mechanisms are in place which ensure that staff have their hours checked and their well-being and practice are reviewed. There have been occasions when staff have worked extra hours as a result of covering sickness and holidays.

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This monitoring visit

Managers have taken into consideration the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) to maintain the balance of continuity and stability for the children. They have ensured that ‘footfall’ into the home is reduced to lower the chance of cross-contamination and infection. This approach has been successful so far. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC065129 2 Incidents of physical restraint were reviewed. The inspector also met with members of staff and children involved in these incidents. There were no incidents of disproportionate or punitive restraint. Children said that they knew that these had taken place to keep themselves and others safe and they saw the use as fair. Managers and staff have also reviewed these incidents to see if there was learning to be gained and a need to change behaviour support strategies.

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This monitoring visit

On two occasions, staff called the police because members of staff were injured during incidents. Although there was no negative impact on the well-being or welfare of children, the acting manager had not informed Ofsted of these events in a timely manner. This caused delays for the regulatory body to review the incidents.

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This monitoring visit

The use of sanctions is appropriate and only used as a process to help children to reflect on their behaviours and to give them an opportunity to make amends. Their use is minimal, there being only six sanctions imposed in seven months.

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This monitoring visit

The anonymous complainant reported that children’s views and concerns are not listened to and resolved. Children who met with the inspector were clear that they feel listened to and they know to whom they can address complaints or worries. There have been no formal complaints raised by the children. They have numerous opportunities to voice their feelings and opinions in meetings, with therapists, during key-work sessions and with social workers as well as visiting managers and the independent visitor. The children’s views are encouraged and valued.

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This monitoring visit

There have been two recent admissions to this home. Both were carefully considered by external managers as well as the staff and the acting manager. Additionally, the children already resident were consulted, and their views sought. The two children resident were excited about having new peers and looked forward to it. At the time of this monitoring visit, the dynamics were settled and any disagreements or conflicts resolved with staff support.

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This monitoring visit

Other unsettled behaviours are not seen by managers and staff to be attributable to the mix of the children in the home but are related to inner turmoil and other issues such as unclear long-term plans and children’s perceptions of an uncertain future.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/02/2020 Full Outstanding 04/12/2018 Full Good 13/03/2018 Full Good 01/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC065129 3

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 40 (4) (b)) 31 December 2020

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to assess issues raised by an anonymous complainant.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: The Caldecott Foundation Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Caldecott House, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SP

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Nicholas Barnett

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Inspector

Paul Taylor, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC065129 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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