Children's home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Stockport

Assurance visit report: SC450992 1 SC450992

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately operated and is registered to provide care for up to six children with social and/or emotional difficulties and who may also have a learning disability.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is experienced, suitably qualified and has been registered with Ofsted since March 2017.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 7 October 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. 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: SC450992 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 receive child-centred care that reflects their individual needs. Staff show a genuine commitment to child-centred planning that puts the child at the heart of the planning process.

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The care of children

Children have become unsettled because of the restrictions in place due to COVID- 19. Staff have helped children to better understand these restrictions by watching announcements on television and having discussions with them. This support has helped to reduce children’s anxieties and help them to cope with what has been a challenging period in their lives.

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The care of children

Despite the impact of COVID-19, staff have continued to promote education and have encouraged children to attend school. Children have attained GCSE qualifications and moved on to college placements. As a result, children have aspirations for their future.

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The care of children

Staff have been creative in making sure that children have not missed out on important milestones. For example, children have had birthday parties and the end of term prom was replaced with a ride in a limousine and a party with a hot tub and unlimited ice cream. This has made children feel important by those caring for them.

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The care of children

Children enjoy many other activities, including Easter egg hunts, Victory in Europe Day celebrations, making poppies for Remembrance Day and participating in the weekly clap for carers. Consequently, children have fun and feel part of the local community.

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The care of children

The home is homely, and children have had opportunities to be involved in the personalisation of their bedrooms and decoration of the home. However, the bathroom is now looking worn and would benefit from being upgraded.

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The safety of children

Children are supported by a consistent staff team that knows them well. Staff have developed informed plans that help staff to understand the cues that can trigger children’s anxieties.

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The safety of children

During the first COVID-19 lockdown, children’s behaviour escalated as they struggled with the restrictions. Staff were supportive and sought advice from other professionals to find new ways of supporting children during this period.

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The safety of children

Children have occasionally gone missing from the home due to their anxieties associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives. Staff have been Assurance visit report: SC450992 3 proactive in following agreed protocols and actively searching for children. Staff have ensured that children have been offered a return home interview. This has helped the manager to better understand why children went missing and what support is needed to reduce the risk of the child going missing again.

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The safety of children

Managers have responded appropriately to children’s concerns and complaints. When allegations have been raised, these have been reported to the relevant agencies and investigated. Consequently, children feel listened to and valued.

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Leaders and managers

The home is managed by an experienced, qualified and child-focused practitioner who promotes good practice.

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Leaders and managers

During COVID-19, the manager has made sure that staff have continued to receive support through team meetings and regular supervision. This has given the staff opportunities to seek advice and support, maintain consistency and reflect on their practice. This support has been invaluable to staff during this difficult time.

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Leaders and managers

Staff have continued to receive training to improve their skills and knowledge. As a result, the staff’s understanding of their roles in residential childcare continues to develop.

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Leaders and managers

When it is considered that the home is no longer able to meet a child’s specific needs, the manager works in close partnership with the placing authority to find the right placement. This coordinated approach means that children do not have an unplanned ending and instead receive the right support to move to a new home.

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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 quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

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Requirement Due date

in particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to—

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Requirement Due date

meet the needs of each child. (Regulation 6 (2)(c)(i)) 5 February 2021 Assurance visit report: SC450992 4 Specifically, ensure that the bathroom and shower room are fit for use and that repairs are completed.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Debbie Bond, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC450992 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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