Children's home run by Witherslack Group Limited

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2585926 1

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Witherslack Group 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 provides care and accommodation for up to seven children and young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Children who live in the home also attend the provider’s independent school.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not previously been inspected by Ofsted. It opened during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The manager is suitably qualified and is registered with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

Ofsted is aware of the challenges that COVID-19 is currently posing to those we inspect and regulate. During the visit, the inspector took into consideration the measures taken to manage risks of COVID-19 in the home, in particular the impact that this is having on children visiting their family and attending school.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was in response to an increase in safeguarding notifications received by Ofsted. This inspection was carried out off-site.

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This monitoring visit

When children go missing from home, staff follow the missing from home policy. They search for the child and make enquiries with people who know the child. The staff share information with other agencies, so they can help to find the child. When found, children have the opportunity to talk with an independent person about the time they spent away. Staff try to understand the reasons the child went missing and identify strategies to help the child and prevent further episodes.

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This monitoring visit

Children have positive relationships with staff. They spend time together having fun and talking about important aspects of the child’s life. Staff provide children with Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2585926 2 advice and guidance, especially when a child needs help to solve a problem. One child said they would recommend this home to other children, giving the home a score of ‘1 billion’. Another child said that the staff are ‘always there’ for them.

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This monitoring visit

Each child has a personalised behaviour support plan. Children understand the rules in the home and why these are in place. An incentive scheme sets individual targets for every child. This means that children achieve rewards, such as extra pocket money. The manager and staff recognise when children have done well and celebrate this with them. This raises children’s self-esteem and helps them to develop positive behaviour.

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This monitoring visit

Children are often late for school. This disrupts their school day and affects their learning. Although staff encourage children to attend, this is not effective. The manager and senior leaders are aware of this and are taking action to help improve children’s school attendance.

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This monitoring visit

Staff support children to enjoy time with family and with people who are important to them. Staff provide children with help to improve relationships with family members, for example helping them to work through conflicts. Staff keep in contact with family members and recognise the value of including them in the children’s lives. One social worker said that this ‘helps’ the child and makes family time ‘more natural’. This means that children stay connected with their family, promoting their sense of belonging.

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This monitoring visit

Induction for staff joining the team is thorough. Staff receive information on policies, and access to training and shadowing opportunities. They have access to information about each child, such as risk assessments and care plans. One staff member said their induction was ‘in-depth’ and ‘everything was explained’. This helps to ensure that staff understand the children’s needs and are prepared for working with them.

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This monitoring visit

There are 19 members of staff working in the home, 11 of whom do not yet hold the minimum required qualification. The manager allows staff to dedicate time to study. He sets timescales for staff to achieve the qualification and tracks their individual progress. All shift leaders are suitably qualified, which provides experienced oversight of the care provided to children on a day-to-day basis.

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This monitoring visit

Staff receive regular supervision. They can reflect on their experiences of caring for the children and make changes to their practice. Staff feel supported by the manager and are confident to seek advice and guidance. This means that the manager is able to check the quality of care that children receive and identify shortfalls in practice.

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This monitoring visit

Some staff have not received fire-safety training, which means not all staff have the necessary skills to respond to a fire. This places children at increased risk from harm if a fire occurred in the home. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2585926 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, the 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

After consultation with the fire and rescue authority, the registered person must— make arrangements for persons working at the home to receive suitable training in fire prevention. (Regulation 25 (1)(c)) 19 February 2021

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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: Witherslack Group Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Lupton Tower, Lupton, Carnforth LA6 2PR

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Inspectors

Catherine Heron, Social Care Inspector Paula Shepherd, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2585926 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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