Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC029865 1 SC029865

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My Choice Children’s Homes Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is privately owned. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since April 2020.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit is to monitor two compliance notices, issued in respect of regulation 12 and regulation 13. These were issued at a previous monitoring visit on 10 July 2020. The provider did not receive the original compliance notice in respect of regulation 13. This was reissued following an assurance visit undertaken on 15 September 2020.

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Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(vi)

The registered manager appropriately monitors and keeps good oversight of the risk management plans in respect of all children in relation to risks associated with being missing from the home. This has resulted in a review of the assessed level of risk for each child in the event that they go missing from the home. These assessments reflect the known risks for each child and effective strategies are in place to mitigate these risks. There has been a reduction in the frequency of children going missing from the home.

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Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(vi)

The planning for a new child moving into the home included a very detailed assessment of their individual needs and known vulnerabilities. The decision for this child to move into the home took into account how their needs could be safely met within the group of children already living in the home. This helped staff to support the child effectively to settle into the home. This compliance notice has now been met. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC029865 2

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Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(h)

At a recent team meeting, the registered manager evaluated the learning that staff gained from the recent training. This demonstrates clear leadership by the registered manager, and ensures that staff fully understand the written guidance and are aware of expectations in relation to their practice. Staff apply their learning to their direct work with children. For example, staff demonstrate a good understanding of children’s past experiences of being parented, to inform the way that they provide care to each child.

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Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(h)

Training was initially provided to staff mainly online, and then face to face when this was possible post-lockdown. The quality of training was good, and attendance was consistent across the whole staff team. This provided staff with a sound understanding of how to meet the needs of children with learning disabilities and to better understand the needs of children with autism spectrum disorder. Importantly, staff also understand how children may communicate their feelings through their behaviours.

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Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(h)

Staff undertook training in relation to understanding the risks posed to children who are vulnerable to child sexual exploitation. They apply this learning in their direct work with children, for example, staff met with the children as a group and talked about what child sexual exploitation is. Through this discussion, children were helped to explore their own individual understanding, and this provided them with the information they need to help to keep themselves safe.

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Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(h)

Through discussion with staff in supervision, the registered manager has reflected on the impact of their learning on the quality of care that they provide to children. There is a new monthly management monitoring system in place which is effective. This supports the registered manager to undertake a regular review of the quality of care provided to children. This is in line with regulations, and the compliance notice relating to this area of practice has been met.

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Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(h)

The two requirements made at the assurance visit on 15 September 2020 were in respect of regulation 6 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(b)(iv) and regulation 40 (4)(b), with each having been met. The provider now notifies Ofsted when required to do so in relation to incidents in the home. Care planning and practice has improved, and staff have a clear understanding of the needs and vulnerabilities of children in the home.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 13/08/2019 Full Good 30/10/2018 Full Good 15/11/2017 Full Good 23/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC029865 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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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: My Choice Children’s Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 3a, Mill Green Business Estate, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1XQ

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Inspector

Maria Lonergan, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC029865 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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