Children's Home run by Empower Residential Ltd in Somerset

Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is privately owned and provides care and accommodation for two children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Since the home was registered in October 2019 there have been three managers. The newly appointed manager is in the process of applying to Ofsted to be registered.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: Not previously inspected

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Not previously inspected

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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: 2547967 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

The young person living in the home has done so for over one year. During this time, he has made progress and formed positive and trusting relationships with the staff.

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The care of children

Staff know the young person well. This is because some staff supported the young person through an outreach package before he moved into the home. The inspector observed staff interacting with the young person in a loving and gentle way. They understand the young person’s form of communication and help him to express himself.

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The care of children

The care of the young person is highly personalised. His needs are central to decision-making and practices. Staff are creative in how they capture his views and evidence the progress he makes. For example, pictures are captured of all activities and form a personal journal. The journal cleverly evidences the young person’s good health, growth in confidence and emotional growth.

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The care of children

The home is very well decorated and extremely homely. The provider has gone to great lengths to ensure any locks on cabinets or doors are discreet and do not distract from the homely feel.

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The safety of children

Safeguarding procedures are effective. The staff have a positive working relationship with safeguarding professionals. Assessment of identified risks is comprehensive. Risk assessment documents offer the staff clear guidance about how best to safely manage any incidents.

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The safety of children

The staff have a good understanding of how to keep the young person safe. They are skilled and experienced in supporting the young person when he is upset. This means they do not use physical restraint when they are challenged by his behaviours.

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The safety of children

The staff encourage positive behaviour through rewards which help the young person to understand and learn. The use of consequences is rare, and as with all behavioural incidents the manager scrutinises records to ensure the approaches and responses from staff are in line with the young person’s understanding and needs.

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The safety of children

No safeguarding concerns were identified from this visit. Assurance visit report: 2547967 3

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Leaders and managers

Since the home was registered in October 2019 there have been three managers in post. This has brought about some changes within the team, both positive and negative. That said, the staff were extremely positive about the impact the current manager is having and the changes he is applying. They feel consulted and included in the review of documentation and processes.

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Leaders and managers

Leaders and managers are effective. The manager feels that, since being appointed, the support he has received from the responsible person has been excellent.

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Leaders and managers

The manager is very experienced and has high aspirations. He is child focused and leads by example. He demonstrates analytical and reflective qualities. A review of systems and process has already led to a more efficient recording and reporting system.

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Leaders and managers

There are good-quality monitoring systems in place. Monthly monitoring visits are undertaken by an independent person who sets actions for the manager to address before the next visit. There is good evidence of how the manager uses a range of monitoring tools to develop the home and improve the outcomes for young people.

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Leaders and managers

Staffing arrangements are good. Staff spoke of how the improved format of supervision provides them with a platform to reflect on and improve their practice.

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Leaders and managers

The inspector found no shortfalls from this visit.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Empower Support Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Empower Support Services, Unit 2, Prockters Farm, West Monkton, Somerset TA2 8QN

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Inspector

Linda Bond, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 2547967 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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